SIMPLE IS BEST

 I've been thinking about my dad lately, more than usual.  Probably because his birthday is near.  I miss his phone calls, having lunch with him after church every Sunday, and the way he used to tell jokes.  He would ask if you've "heard the one"...then he would use the punch line as the "identifier."

My dad was special, and unique.  He was constant, and always there for all of us.  He showed us how to love and forgive other people.  He was stubborn, but kind.  I miss him.

One year, I think it might have been his 80th birthday, we decided to have a birthday party for him.  We usually celebrated birthdays at a local restaurant, but that year chose the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church.  So many people came.  They shared stories with us (his family) and of course with Dad.  He was happy that day, and I think a little surprised at the outpouring of love for him.

After the event, we (his family) suggested that we somehow thank the people who came to his celebration.  Realizing there were too many people, and afraid we might miss someone, we decided to put a "thank you" add in the paper.  I offered to help my dad write that thank you, knowing that was not his favorite thing to do.  He looked at me, and just shook his head.  The translation for that is, "no thank you, I can do that myself." Ok, Dad.....

When the weekly paper arrived, I thumbed through the pages, looking for that thank you note.  I scanned the paper more than once, thinking it hadn't gotten published yet.  Then, towards the back of the paper, I found my Dad's profound and heartfelt note. It read: "Thanks, Bob."

See why I loved him?

Dr. Katt