My cute grandfather. Where do I begin? This man is probably the most tender humans you will ever meet. Not only am I named after him {thats what he says anyway :)} but he has a heart of gold and I have had some of the best laughs of my life with him {and grandma too of course}. From him barking at all the grandkids for tickling him during his nap to crying with him whenever his weiner dog, Fritz, came up in conversation after he died…we have experienced it all with this man. He always made me feel loved and important to him. I have loved having him so close my whole life. I have been blessed to have him at so many events, family dinners, beach trips, concerts. I just love him so much and am so grateful for everything he has been to me throughout my life.
My pappy. This guy has too taught me so much. It seems like everything he does in his life is to teach a valuable lesson to his kids. Whether its saving some money by finding the “best deal”, becoming self-sufficient by working hard at everything you do, or always staying true to what you believe…he’s taught me a lot of lessons I cherish and will NEVER forget. He also loves music and along with my mom, they have instilled a love of music in all of us kids that I am so grateful for. Most of all he loves having fun with his family and because of this my family has always been who I want to spend my time with. We love being together. They are my best friends. We have been blessed to do a lot of fun things together and we owe it all to my father who has worked so hard at providing for us. He loves us so much and I am so incredibly lucky to have him in my life as an example and friend. Love you so much pap.
And finally, Papa Chris Smith. What an amazing man. The minute I met him, I knew he was special. Its hard to believe that in one short year I met this man, got to know and love him, and lost him. Just like that. His time on this earth was not long enough. He will forever be missed and I wish I could have been around him much longer. But he lives on. He has left a legacy that many dream about. Through his life he lived, his kindness, his love, his service, his career…but most importantly through his family. I am blessed beyond measure to have married into this family I love so much. My life has been changed forever by the Smiths…seeing the amount of love they have for each other, for the people around them, and for me through such a difficult time is truly a miracle. They remain so strong and faithful. They find hope in the fact that families are forever and will see Chris again. I will always be so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him. For the memories made and lessons learned from this incredible dad. I love you Papa Smith and will miss you always.
Most importantly, I am forever grateful to Chris, and Lezlie, for raising the man who is now my husband. Because of their example, I get to experience a love that I never knew possible. I love my Jordan, more than I can ever explain. He is my best friend and I am blessed to have him by my side forever. He brings the best side out of me and a joy to my heart that is irreplaceable. I know without a doubt that he will be such a wonderful father someday.
So even though it is almost 2 weeks after Father’s day, I had to express my gratitude to these wonderful men I have been blessed to have in my life. Because for me that is what life is about, the people in it. It is about showing love and gratitude for each other and appreciating EVERYONE you cross paths with. There is always a lesson to be learned and heart to love. Happy late Father’s day to these incredible guys.
