Father's Day

Yesterday was Father's Day and Clayton invited his mother and me to join him with Cameron, 7 and Carina, 4 to see "Madagascar 3" at a local movie theater. Of course I said yes and we had a wonderful time as the movie was a good one and the children were enraptured with the film, their little faces glued to the screen.

The day before, Anne and I went to Kevin and Melody's home to a Father's Day celebration they, along with Melody's dad and our friend Ben Haney hosted. It was such a joy for us, as all three of our sons and their wives were there with their children and of course Ben was the belle of the ball with his outsized personality entertaining the children and the rest of us as well.

Keoni is now 12 and comes up to my upper chest. He is a ball of energy and very thoughtful to the other children, all of whom want to be with him and be like him. Brody, 6 and Gannon 4, were like little whirlwinds racing here and there and everywhere, and all the kids jumped up and down as well in the jumper that was rented for the party.

Also very special to me was the party included my Uncle Gene and Aunt Eleanor and I can never get enough of them. They are marvelous, good hearted people who always have stories to share and jokes to tell and take a sincere interest in the well-being of others. Speaking of special, Debbie Houston and her 20 year companion Stacy were there as well, along with their great-niece, 6 year old Baily and I wrote a separate piece in my journal about Debbie.

Anne's mother Mary was there and even with limited eye sight, she adds so much joy to any occasion and we are fortunate to have her.

Debbie's brother Ted was there as well as was his son Matthew and it was nice to see them. Ted described a business he owns as building very nicely and he discussed his happiness in his life. Both of those elements pleased me very much, as did the fact he appears to be in good health and had just participated in a marathon.

In all, it was a very happy occasion and to me it is a dividend for having been and continuing to be a devoted and loving father and grandfather. At 67 years of age, I am a very fortunate man and a very thankful one.

Dick