As February turns into March, it is time for the annual letter to celebrate Grandpa's birthday. This year it has taken on more importance. Grandpa has endured a few physical challenges in recent weeks and will be home from the skilled nursing facility within a few days of his birthday. I will be heading to Iowa this weekend and I can't wait to feel those loving arms around me one more time! Happy 106th, Grandpa.
Dear Grandpa,
Happy birthday to a guy who must surely be the most powerful man on the planet. You have the strength of a super magnet that is somehow able to draw this family from our respective corners of the country that we each call home, to the place that gave birth to the Allen family as we know it. Why do we come? Iowa is not on very many tourist maps, yet we take vacation days from work, board planes and cars and trucks just to be in your presence. The 2nd of March is still very much winter in Council Bluffs but for some reason we leave the warmth of Florida, California, or Texas to be with you. I don't know if you know how this annual game is played but here is a quick synopsis. The grandkids and great grandkids start talking about "Grandpa's birthday" around Christmas time. The "kids" tell us to hold on because your approval hasn't been given. Once there is a green light, the computers iPads, and cell phones light up across the country as we make our plane, hotel, and car rental reservations. And then, POOF!, somewhere around your birthday we all descend upon you. But the question bears repeating, why do we come?
We come for your wisdom. We yearn for your stories, the stories of days gone by when life was different, when the value of a person's character mattered. We know your stories are our fathers' stories and our own stories. The life lessons of floods, tornadoes and hard times that reveal the underlying strength of a man lead to great wisdom. Our generations have yet to face the trials that bring real wisdom so we come to learn from you. And we are never disappointed. We always return home much wiser than we left.
We come because you re-instill in us the values of honesty, integrity and perseverance. You taught your sons these valuable lessons and they in turn passed them on to us. They are what brings us to the true understanding of being an Allen. You have lived your life with these guiding principals as your north star. Everyone knows that the word of Don Allen is true. Today these virtues are almost non-existent in the world and yet, we Allens continue to abide by them. We share their value with our children and anyone else who will listen. In your presence we are once again reminded that we must carry forth the legacy and hold high the banner of truth. Your example gives us the strength to continue on, living our lives with you as our model.
We come to be near you. This year, that has taken on more importance than any other. But the truth is, we come for ourselves. We need to see this great man who we all must acknowledge will not live forever. The day is going to come when we must take your place. We, your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren and your great-great-grandchildren will stand in your stead and profess to the world the meaning of being an Allen. You have taught each of us well but we yearn to sit at the feet of the master for a few final lessons.
We come so you know how deeply you are loved. There is no better time than your birthday to show that love. Grandpa, there is no one on this planet that I have loved and respected more than you. Your arms have always been my safe haven. You have shown me how to laugh when I stumble and reminded me that I am never alone. The gifts that you have given me are immeasurable. In like manner my love can never be quantified. I am unable to name it, describe it, or compare it to anything else on earth. It is all in that first hug, in that moment when our two spirits melt into one and I know once again who I am.
Why do we come? It is simple. You make us better than we were or we ever dreamed we could be. We leave your presence wiser, stronger and more loving. We come to say thank you and celebrate this great life of yours. Happy Birthday, Grandpa. May there be many more!
