Happy 90th Birthday Papou!

Dear Papou,

Happy 90th Birthday today! I know you did not make it to this milestone birthday here on this earth, but it is still worth it to me to honor this day! Ninety years ago today you were born in this world, 35 years (and 1 day) later, you welcomed your first child into this world, my mom. Just a day shy of 24 years after that, we welcomed my mom's second child, my little sister Andrea. The triumvirate of birthdays January 8, 9, and 10th had always been a fun family celebration. Three generations celebrated in one week!

So today I say happy birthday and I remember that 90 years ago you were both. Today I thank you for influencing my life for the good. Thanks for taking me grocery shopping and to the library every Saturday morning. It taught me to value books and to spend wisely. (It also taught me that the best grocery samples are at Dans on Saturdays, and that everyone in SLC that is about my mom's age knows and thanks you for teaching them French in elementary school on TV.)

Thanks for picking me up from school when my parents couldn't. Thanks for letting my family live with you so my siblings and I got the benefit of getting to know you and Xia Xia well!

And thanks for your fun personality! I will never forget you dressing up as woman for Halloween! Your funny antics taught me that I can goofy and have fun.

Thanks also for sharing your talents always. For playing at the Red Flame, singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and for always playing the piano at home. I learned to develop and share my talents.

We love and miss you Papou, but we know we will see you again after this life. And today we celebrate the life you began on this earth 90 years ago today!

Happy 90th birthday!