Today is his birthday. 51! My mom forgot to have a big party for him last year so this year is his 'big 50th birthday bash- one year late.' This is a man whose father died when he was only 12, and yet he learned to be an extraordinary father himself. He joined the Navy when he was only 17 and in serving his country, became a man consumed with service. His life is spent for others; the church, his country, his wife, his children, his grandchildren, even his employees. He is wise, SO capable (it seems there's nothing he can't figure out), and funny (at least he thinks so ;)) , and brings laughter to every family gathering. He is not consumed with pride, or material things, but works harder than anyone I know for the people he loves. This is a man who married a woman with six children ranging from eight to 21 and took care of them. He is the reason I have confidence in myself as a daughter, a mother, and a woman. He taught me to rotate tires, change oil, and empty the septic tank on a motor home, none of which I appreciated at the time and all things I hope never to have to do again. But I'm sure in some way, they all still added to my sense of self-worth. He taught me that to survive life and make right choices, you need self-reliance, obedience, a great work ethic, and humor. I have always known that he would do anything for me and my family and thanks to this, I was able to grow up in a world full of chaos and insecurity feeling nothing but safe.
Happy Birthday Kirk. I love you!
8 comments:
What a great tribute Lillie. It gave me chills when you said that he went into the navy at 17 and that's where he learned to serve. What an amazing man!
I love the pictures up on your blog too.
Happy Birthday Kirk...
I've always been impressed with Kirk....what a blessing added to your family!
Very sweet. Kirk really is so great. I remember your wedding, where every problem that came up he was ready to solve (including our dead car battery!). So glad your mom and your family have someone so great!!
Oh Lil, I nearly forgot how absolutely stunning you were on your wedding day. Remind me to copy you on the many rosy shades color scheme at my wedding. I love it.
Lillie, you described Kirk so perfectly, that is exactly how I remember him growing up! He is such an amazing man, and your mom is so blessed to have him. (he's lucky to have her, too, she's just as amazing) You and Kirk have a special bond, and I will never forget what he said at your wedding. You looked absolutely gorgeous! I remember that you AND Ross looked so beautiful together, and so happy. Good memories!! Happy Birthday, Kirk! Love ya!!
okay okay, WEDDING PICTURES? Can we see more, please? you looked so gorgeous, I want more! :) love the pretty shades of red...can you do a wedding post or something, for those of us who haven't enjoyed them yet? :)
what a kind girl you are, and how good you are to the people around you. I'm learning good things from being your friend. :)
I love your tributes to people on their birthdays. What a nice thing to talk about how great they are and how much they mean to you. I love it and started doing it myself....starting with Miss Bogner!
It is fun learning about people in your life that I don't know very well. I did meet Kirk at your wedding and he truly is such a great man.
Lillie:
Words could never express how wonderful I felt when reading your blog and the comments from your friends. You are amazing.
I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. You have grown into a magnificent woman, a loving mother and wife, and more importantly, a beautiful daughter.
You know I've never been good at the touchy-feely stuff and I'm sorry I'm not. But I want you to know that I love you more than you can ever imagine. Thank you for being one of the daughters I never had.
Papa Kirk
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