As most of you already know, I was very close with my dad who passed away in 2008.  He was an awesome man and I miss him.  

Hug your family members and enjoy every minute!  

My dad's sister, my aunt, is a very talented woman. This year she created a birthday poem about my dad that I thought was awesome and so I moved to share it with you.

Happy Birthday Mark !!!

You're 68 today !!!

Wish that we could talk -

We'd have so much to say !!!

So many things are different -

Nothing really is the same !!!

I sure could use your help -

Hear me call your name ???

Amazing how much I see you -

God shows me you ARE near !!!

I see you everyday -

All through every year !!!

I see you in the precious eyes -

Of all 7 of your Grands !!!

They share your zest for life -

I know you hold their hands !!!

I see you in your children -

More like you than I thought !!!

They make the world a better place, Because of what you taught !!!

I see you in the sunrise -

You never did sleep late !!!

I see you cooking breakfast -

Always serving up a plate !!!

I see you in our soldiers -

Like you - they serve to save !!!

I see you in the ocean -

You never missed a wave !!!

I see you in the mountains -

That you so loved to hike !!!

I see you in the trucks I pass -

And hear music that you like !!!

Guess you haven't gone so far,

You seem to be right here !!!

We are each still surrounded -

By all that you held dear !!!

Thank you for walking beside us -

And showing us the way !!!

So thankful you were born -

You make us better every day !!!

I love you Mark !!!

❌⭕️❌