He...

is the kindest, most patient man you will ever meet.

spends every Friday afternoon with the boys and me.

has lived in the same house for forever.  I don't even know how long...way longer than my 35 years.

still makes me cry.  Usually in a good way.

was and still is the greatest daddy a girl could ever ask for.

is the man I go to when I have questions about the Bible or politicians.  (Thank you, Daddy.)

has always been my spiritual mentor.

is just like his precious mom...my sweet Grandma Lloyd.  She was a saint, I believe, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

does not like to be idle.

once said, "I'm about to start cutting my grass with scissors, I'm so bored."

has three daughters and one son, biologically, but also has two more daughters that still love him like he's their own Daddy. 

takes Trish and me out every year for a daddy/daughter night out downtown.

loves the Lord his God with all his heart, strength, soul and mind.

is becoming more and more Heaven-minded.

knows the Bible backwards and forwards.  I pray I'm just like him in that area.

has a beautiful wife, Sandy, whom I credit for his excellent health.

"fathered" many young girls besides just his daughters...all of our friends usually ended up calling him "Dad".  He loved them like he loved us.

never yells.  I've only seen him "lose it" one time, and it was when I was sixteen years old.  Some dude from my school had just plowed into the back end of me right in front of his driveway and his eyes.  He was so mad at that guy that he thought he was a girl (he had long hair).

is loved by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

has traveled all over the world, but his most favorite trip ever was when he walked where Jesus walked.  After that trip he has cried more.  Something changed in him when he saw the spot where they think Jesus was laid to rest...and he saw the spot where the rock was rolled away.  He hasn't stopped crying since.  

is eighty-one years young today, this day of March 29th, 2012.

has blessed me beyond measure.

Daddy, if you're reading this, may "the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace."  (Numbers 6:24-26)

I love you more than words can ever express.  Thank you for being the first man I ever loved, the first man of my dreams, and the man who is always there for me.  I don't care how old I am, I will always need you.  Thank you for being an amazing "Pappaw"...we love you to the moon and back.

Your "baby" girl,
Jennifer (or Tricia...as you so often call me.)