Kim’s dad turned 70 Sunday. We made a beeline from Happy Valley to Friendship Village to celebrate with the family. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Kim’s family likes to party. And if ever there was a man who deserved a party, it’s Pappy Ken.
Kim gets her wisdom and leadership from her dad; she gets her fun personality and spunk from her mom! Talk about the best of both worlds…
Few people have taught me more than Kim’s dad. He has loved me like I was his own, modeled what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and lived a life marked by generosity, teachability, and servanthood. He’s put up with me for 22 years (half my life!) and helped me grow. He’s listened to me whine and complain, finding ways to encourage and motivate me. He’s given me opportunities to lead and try and risk and fail and learn. He believed in me when few others did. He’s listened patiently as I ranted and raved about the next big thing that we were doing that would change the world. He’s prayed for me. Any time I’ve blown it (broken equipment or broken relationships) he’s responded with grace and truth and love.
It was more than fitting that most of the family gathered Sunday to sing Happy Birthday to Pappy Ken. He is a patriarch–father, founder, venerable leader of our tribe. Of course, he’ll deflect all this, probably point to George or Bill, the men who shaped his life. That’s what he does.
But as my head hit my pillow last night I thanked God for Pappy Ken. I am a better me because of him.
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