Fifty years ago today, a hero was born…
In the middle of a blizzard in Glasgow, Montana.
There really wasn’t anything super-hero-like at the time…
But he was definitely into emulating heroes of his own.
There was no doubt about the fact that he was a cute kid.
And a great older brother.
He grew in stature and began to get an education.
Dead center, in the front row, of the kindergarten class.
As he grew up in this organization…
The size of his family grew right along with him, until he had three brothers.
He played a little football…
and did a bit of fishin’…
He acquired friendships…
and served others, while loving God and country.
Eventually, he began to date a girl…
(well he actually dated far more than one, but for the sake of this tribute, bear with me here.)
At the time, she apparently thought that looking like Laura Ingalls Wilder was “chic.”
He didn’t care.
Because the appearance of style wasn’t paramount…
evidenced by this hair.
The boy and the girl hung out a lot…
decided to get married…
and eventually had this kid.
Incidentally, mocking another’s personal sense of style…
nearly guarantees that you are bound to lose your own.
This truth would be evidenced in the above photo by HER hair.
This is better…
but could still use help.
Along with the birth of this child…
they decided that perhaps it was time to start focusing on the really important things.
Like ever strengthening faith.
Family.
Core values.
Personal growth.
Fast forward to this past Saturday evening…
Lots of years, lots of growth, coupled with the inevitable hard times and struggles…
and five sons later.
A surprise party.
that involved a lot of planning… (and strategic packing)
Effort and reliance upon family and a community of dear friends…
But in the end it produced this…
and this
Which eventually led to THE SURPRISE…
A gathering of nearly 200 family and close friends…
It was an evening of fun…
timeless memories…
and powerful tributes.
It was an evening to be treasured…
and will most definitely be remembered.
Would you care to read a sampling of the things that were said?
“He is a great older brother.”
“As kids, he never “ratted” us out, but became one of us. We were a brotherhood…
He’s carried that same ethic into adulthood and would do anything for me…in fact he has.”
“He has a tremendous work ethic.”
“He is always there for me whenever I need him.”
“He practices servant leadership.”
“He models his faith without saying a word.”
“He loves unconditionally.”
Then the rubber really met the road.
Son #1
“Most kids growing up think that their dad is the greatest…
Today, at 21, mine still is. I couldn’t have picked a better one if I had been allowed.’
“He has never given me a reason to be ashamed of him.”
“He doesn’t quit. Ever.”
Son #2
“My dad practices servant leadership.”
“He inspires not only this present generation, but the future one.”
“He leads by being the example, which produces inspiration, not requirement.”
“We could never express to you how much we admire and love our dad.”
Followed by a toast…
Yep…there were lots of tears…
tons of laughs.
Joyous reunitings.
You know…
the stuff that life is made of.
There was clean up…
highlighted and demonstrated here by the dear friends previously pictured…
don’t they look nice?
There is always an opportunity to practice servant leadership…
regardless of how you’ve just been honored.
But make no mistake…
Honored you will be.
If you pay the price.
Trust in a good and gracious God.
Do the work.
Run the race.
It takes a lot to make a family, a legacy, a life.
Proof that heros are made, not born.
Happy 50th, to my #1 Hero! XO,
Happy Birthday!!!! Thank you so much for inviting us to share in your party, we had such a great time. Kudos to everyone invovled, the party was awesome!!!
Love Tammie and Katie joe
[Reply]
I’m going to have to start wearing makeup — and curling my hair — whenever we’re together. It was fun, but I didn’t realize how much energy goes into ironing until I lifted my arms to direct the Sabbath hymns the next morning. Gives new meaning to the expression, “pumping iron.”
[Reply]
Priceless! Way to score on an awesome husband, Teri. Those are the best kinds to have.
He is great. Wish him a happy 50th from me and Ben!
[Reply]
Wow! An incredible evening indeed. Paul is the real deal. He has an amazing 50 year legacy of love and humility that makes others want to do better in their own lives. There was no faking the love and admiration shared by everyone who raised their glass in tribute to this man. May everyone be as lucky as we are to have such a friend. Paul has been an extraordinary role model to our entire family and we love and honor you on this, your birthday.
God bless you Paul and you are a rich man indeed
The Klemens
[Reply]
Happy Birthday Paul – You are definately and inspiration to Anthony and I as we raise our three ‘bugs’.
Teri – the pictures are GREAT I can’t wait to see how the scrapbook turns out! See you soon!
[Reply]