Dad
Your the man with a beard. But to me you are so much more. You’re full of jokes that only our family and a handful more understands, and sometimes only you get. Yet, we always laugh! You’re the first person I call when I need help. You have taught me that nobody can be perfect. Yet, we can all strive to be better! You have done this in your actions, you have been patient with me and gentle. You have loved me very deeply. You have extended this patience, gentleness and love to other kids that you now love as your own! You lead our family how you are supposed to with the Lord as your guide. I will always remember the moments when you were so proud of us, all you could do was weep. To some it’s a sign of weakness, to me I know it’s because you have a great love for your children.
Thank you for teaching me how to laugh. Thank you for giving me your eyes.
Thank you for teaching me patience and gentleness.
Thank you for loving me.
Grandpa
I will never look at a watermelon and not think of you! You always ate the heart and I ate right next to the rind – we made such a good pair. I know where dad gets his kindness and his humor. Even though you had 25 other grandkids to pour into, somehow you made it to where I felt loved. You took time for each of us as individuals. To know us and make us known. You did this because you cared about us. Thank you for the little things, like always having mints and butterscotch candies. Thanks for the smiles grandpa!
Pops
Those rosy red cheeks of yours. You are so passionate. You love me very much and I know that, yet I also know when I have made you mad. It’s usually when the steam is coming out of your ears! When you are moved deeply by something there is no greater sight than watching tears roll down your cheeks. Even when they fall from pain, it shows me that you feel and that you are moved by grief in this world. Thank you pops for giving me your passion! Thank you also for the enjoyment of popcorn and ice cream.
Abba
Perfection. You have never once failed me even though I thought you did. There were times I thought you weren’t here. But you never left my side. You love me more than I could ever explain in words. You were there when I was stuck on the side of the road in the pouring rain. My dad was on his way, but you never left me. You were with me, like you always have been. When my grandpa passed away, you were with me, you gave me peace! When pops didn’t go to church, you heard all my prayers. When pops started going to church again and we saw his patience grow and gentleness blossom, Abba you were there to rejoice with me. When I left my family in August, to go on this adventure to know you more, you took my hand and said “I have you child”. In South Africa when I was having such a hard time when life seemed worthless to me and I felt like the world could just go on without me in it. You sat next to me on that bench, you were quiet. When you spoke it was so simple “I care about you, you are important”. You have been with me through every friendship. You watched every tear, whether I was sad, in awe of you, or just laughing. You have been with me every step of the way, being exactly what I need because I was created by You! You never stopped loving, caring, or listening.
Love your daughter,
Lois Gabrielle
