A wise man once told me—

“Don’t worry ’bout nothin’, ’cause ain’t nothin’ gonna be alright.”

On March 21, 1938, our legacy of love was born.

You who paint for a living have painted a life beautiful—a masterpiece of brilliant color that’s spread joy to so many. You are your own canvas.

Daddy, you’ve been father to the fatherless, and I wonder if you’re aware. My Girl Courtney who joins me in this tribute to honor you on your 75th birthday spoke words to you not too long ago that sums up how I feel.

Mama recounted what Courtney told you—that not all fathers are like you. Your daughters and your granddaughters and your great granddaughter all know that we can “curl up in your lap” just as Courtney said. We know it’s safe. We know you’re available. We know your love.

The names are countless of the friends of your daughters and even your son who’ve been graced by knowing you. You’ve been a father figure, a role model. And throughout your years adding up to seventy-five you’ve graced the friends of my girls. I know without a doubt that should any of them read this they are nodding their heads and probably confirming this through tears.

You have painted my life with humor. I’ve made my own attempts of duplicating this in the lives of others. My children haven’t always found it funny. Imagine that. Neither did my former boss that time I told him, “Like my dad always says, ‘Never do today what you can put off ’til tomorrow.’ ” I couldn’t help it. To be known for your humor, spreading joy, bringing laughter, is no small thing. The world needs this medicine. That’s what you’ve been to me, to us.

Daddy, you are present. We’re mindful of this. It’s never been about whether you had all the answers or not. We know you know the One who does. It’s never been about always getting it right. None of us can. But you point us to Truth. And that’s all we need. To know grace, to know Him who freely gives it.

I cannot comprehend that you are turning three quarters of a century. Though you may feel it, you don’t show it. You’re willing to take on your grands and your great grands and even your own children for a season if the need arises. But the amazing thing is that you are more than willing. You not only ask—you plead for them. And this confirms my point.

You are still present. You are willingly present. And it’s not lost on us that this is a marvelous gift not known by all. So we dare not take you for granted. You mean the world to us, Dad.

My words could never adequately portray the amazing life you live or else they’d become a best seller. That’s what you are to us. A best seller.

We look forward to the next chapter of your life’s story; we look forward to celebrating you. And though we know we’re not the first to shout it out because a certain Soldier daughter called you after midnight when Kuwait saw March 21st,

Happy 75th Birthday, Dad!

Thank you for being present. Thank you for reflecting Father God.

I love you!

Your little Girl

Poppy. Oh Poppy. Where do I start? You’ve always had a special place in my heart. (I didn’t mean for that to rhyme, honest) You and Nana are always telling stories about me from when I was a kid. Like how I used to tell Nana I didn’t want any breakfast, but as soon as she fixed yours I did. I would climb into your lap and “share” your breakfast with you. Okay, maybe she secretly fixed more afterwards because you were still hungry. However, I know that you let me eat it because you love me. Or how about the time you took me to Walmart and much to mom’s dismay, you let me wear my princess nightgown? I don’t remember that lady telling me I was beautiful, but I know you do. And that’s all that matters. That it melted your heart. You and I have always had a special bond. One that is unlike any other relationship I will ever have. It’s one that I cherish. See…while you remember all of those things about me. I remember a thing or two about you. I notice when our whole family gets together that you sit back and just watch quietly if you get the chance. Because those are the moments that matter to you. I remember every time you pray before we eat or for any other reason. Your words are more heartfelt than any others I have ever heard. I also remember when you would always win us things from those machines outside of Shoneys. You won me a tiny crown once. You told me it was for me because I am your Princess Delynn. I still have it.

Your example of Christ has not gone unnoticed. It never will. You’re the type of person that no one can forget. You’re just too special. I love you Poppy. I will always be your Princess. You are a big part in making me the person I am today. Thank You. Happy Birthday.

Princess Delynn