I wonder if anyone told you so long ago, in the beginning, how much you would do? Did anyone share with you all the things that you would grow to see and do? Did you have any way of knowing how many lives you would live to touch? Eighty years I am sure have went in a blink for you, and after all these years you fared well.
As a boy roaming the hills, trapping and planting, playing some and working more. I see you in those fields and forest and I had no way of being there. Told by your Great - Grandmother to touch the shadows on the wall so that you wouldn't be afraid anymore so long ago and I never saw you afraid.
Growing up to travel the world, marry and love, be a father and more. Scores of friends, family, patrons I am sure dot your memory. People who made impacts on you, people who touched you, people you loved and respected - some of them gone and some still here. Leaving your Mother and Father to serve all mother's and father's and all children, and this land that we love. Leaving to find your path and make your way and what a way you made.
Twenty five years of jumping, serving, experiencing, learning, things that I or we may never know. Courage and strength that I or we may never have. Things that we'll never do that you did, and all the while it was for us.
Papaw you were a good son, and have been a good husband and father. You served your country well and through hard work, insight and determination ran a successful business. Your poetry and narratives bring joy to the minds and hears of so many. Your brother's and sister's smile on you as do your nieces and nephews. You have worn this name well for all these years and as I am not there to celebrate with you I do share in the pride of being a small part of the story of your life.
My Pal, My Friend, what would my life be had you not been my grandfather? A name we share and so much more...I wish I knew what to say to thank you for all you have done and all that you are. Your greatness amazes me and I will walk in your shadow so long as I live and be proud to do it.
I say thank you with all the love I have in my heart and happy birthday with a smile on this, your eightith year. You stand apart, you had to...you're Papaw!
Note: On May 5, 2010 , My grandfather Edward E.Storms will celebrate his 80th birthday. He will be celebrating on Saturday, May 1, with a surprise birthday party hosted at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. If you are available drop by and wish him a happy 80th. I am sure he would love to see you there!
All the best,
Jonathon
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