Celebrating Great Papa…

Dear Mom and Dad,

I am out on a date tonight, with Great Papa for his birthday.  I know this is a place that is normally ALL ABOUT ME… but Great Papa, has turned 73 years old.   I hope he doesn’t mind my sharing this information with all of the world, but it is such a nice thing.  Great Papa was born in 1936.   Jesse Owens won four GOLD MEDALS in the Olympic games, that year, in Berlin.   It was the first time a major sporting event was televised – and it was BERLIN… it was historical and 73 years later, to bear witness to the changes in the world… well it is amazing.   American soldiers like you and dad, we all hope will be home soon, and wouldn’t it be nice that if in my life time, peace prevailed?  

Here I am in chewing on my favorite little toy, and contemplating..

73 years…

Papa and GGma have four children.  They have seen much and learned much.  One thing is certain, he loves being a Papa, and he has done such a good job … he is active in the lives of all his kids, as well as his eleven grandchildren, and TOO MANY Grandpets to count when you figure in, Great Aunt Michelle’s and those at camp Nana.   Topping it all off the CHERRY ON TOP… me!   I have to say Mom and Dad, when he holds me, or see’s me, his whole face, shows his heart.  No hidin’ it, he is in love.

I have been known to have that effect… but you can see it can’t you.   Nana says, he and GG-ma have had that for all the grandkids, always going to cheerleading competitions, or hockey games, sitting on cold bleachers, in frigid ice arenas… traveling accross the country to see all the grandkids, and even taking you to Disney World with all your sisters and brother!   I know he still works hard, every day trying to find ways to make the lives of his kids, and now his kids, kids, KID, better.   Lucky… we are very lucky.  So no being shy about 73 years, Papa, you wear them well, and you can be so proud them.   To this world, you brought children, and my Poppy, well he has walked in your footsteps, professionally, and with his family… bringing my mommy who has now brought me into a world of love, filled with true, honest and unconditional love.   SOOOOO LUCKY…. SO VERY VERY LUCKY.

In case you didn’t know, in 1936 these were the top ten most popular songs!

‘All My Life’ – Fats Waller

‘Alone’ – Tommy Dorsey

‘A Beautiful Lady in Blue’ – Jan Garber

‘Did I Remember?’ – Shep Fields

‘A Fine Romance’ – Fred Astaire

‘The Glory of Love’ – Benny Goodman

‘Goody Goody’ – Benny Goodman

‘I’ll Sing You A Thousand Love Songs’ – Eddy Duchin

‘I’m Putting All My Eggs In One Basket’ – Fred Astaire

‘In The Chapel In The Moonlight’ – Shep Fields

No, I am sure my mom and dad have never even heard of these songs, and will be heart broken to learn that I AM A NEIL DIAMOND fan and will only go to sleep with his music, but what they will know when we finish this love letter dedicated in my Great Papa’s honor, is that there is so much of where WE HAVE BEEN that leads us where we are going.   Great Papa, helped my momma, unconditionally through much of her life, now he holds me, and helps me through this time with out her and daddy, and I KNOW he hopes and prays everyday for their safe return to me.   Nana says she doesn’t know the yiddish word that translates to the PATRIARCH of his family,  but thinks that his mom, Great Great Grandma Gert, would have written a beautiful poem for him if she were here.    Describing far better than I could, what his being here these past 73 years has meant.   But my birthday gift to you is this little poem, from a great grand child whose time at camp and spent with you – is truly devine!

A son, you are, a brother too,

 a loving husband – an uncle, a father, what else do you do?

A grandparent, a doctor, a craftsman as well,

the list is endless, how do you do it? You really must tell!

Now a great grandfather, who is adoring and kind

I am a lucky little princess, whose made quite a find.  

I hope we have years to share in your love and to ‘dance’,

I know I will grow happy just having had the chance.

Seventy three years of expericence, and more life to live,

One thing stands out, your amazing ability to give! 

Thank you dear Papa, for all you have done

in raising my Poppy –  your youngest son! 

You have taught him so much and passed on your gifts.

But most of all Papa, it is your smile that uplifts. 

I see it here as you stand with your sons,

your mind ever thinking, IT CONSTANTLY RUNS!

Love for your daughters and grandchildren too,  really Papa – enough said,

Your love is appearant ….you keep our hearts and souls well fed! 

 Any challenges we face as a family,  I know we can withstand,

for the joy and love you have brought us, is truly so very grand!

All of my love, your GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER,

GUILLIANNA

Besides your coming to the world, in 1938 this is what what goin’ on-

This is the year the Hoover Dam was completed, gasoline was 10 cents a gallon,  average cost of a new home, about $3925.00.   Average annual income, (if you could find a job post depression with unemployment over 16%), was $1713.00 per YEAR.   Wow, how some things have changed.   WHAT HAS NOT CHANGED, IS THE LOVE A PARENT HAS FOR THEIR CHILD, FOR THEIR CHILDS’ CHILD, and now for me!

My formula alone per year, is nearly twice the average wages for a year then.  CRAZY HUH?   You have seen my little red sports car, well when Great Papa was born, a Studebaker car (yes that is a real name of a car) was $665.00.   Cribs are more than that!   Exhausting to even think about huh?   Just thinking about it all, I had to crash for a while…. what will it be when I am 73?   

I had a great time visiting tonight, all the campers and I celebrating LIFE and 73 years that have evolved into this very day, this very moment.    We thought of you two often, and can’t wait till you are here… until then, I love you both, and as always, I am your Little Miss Adorable, your daughter, and a Great Granddaughter,

Guillianna!