The Universe works in mysterious ways, it truly does.  I am a firm believer in that.

October is my favorite month.  Its filled with great fall weather, leaves changing colors, jack’o'lanterns, scary movies, cute costumes and birthdays.

In 1987, I met that kid right there on the right.  Being the social butterfly that I am, I practically bullied him into being my friend.  This was his Senior year at MSSH.  That June, I happened to meet his parents.

You don’t think that you’re looking at your future in-laws unless you’ve been dating one another forever.  You also don’t look at them and know that one day they’ll be your children’s grandparents.  Cause when you’re in high school, who thinks about that?

Today is Grandpa Dennis’ birthday.  Claudia, Gabe, Lea and Jake were never able to meet their Grandpa.  I think its ironic that Dale used to call him Papa…and our children call him Papa.  But in that good ironic way. 

Its sad that they’ll never get to hear Grandpa sing.  They won’t get to listen to him tell a story.  To go fly kites with him at the beach.  To get caught up in tickle matches at bedtime.  To get Grandpa hugs & kisses galore.

I know he was an amazing Dad to my Dale, thus he would have been an amazing Father-In-Law, and a stellar Grandpa to the Zoo.

Its always sad that we didn’t get enough time.  But I have to believe that he’s always here…watching over us…sending down his everlasting love and understanding, his patience and kindness, his brilliance and humor.

Happy Birthday, Papa Dennis.

With Much Love,