September 11, 1927

1927. 82 years ago today. My Grandpa was born.

I call him Papa Doc.

He is my dad's dad and he's awfully special to me.

{my beautiful grandparents on their wedding day. so lovely}

My Papa Doc loves the Lord. He adores his wife. He's been a great dad to 3 kids. A loving grandfather to lots of grandkids (9). He was a superman dentist, and his sons followed in his footsteps. Throughout his life he's farmed, flown planes, served in the military, owned car dealerships, been a real estate agent, handy man, an amazing water skier and snow skier, motor coach & travel enthusiast, and a man that is young at heart no matter the age. Oh yeah, and a he's a badass (can you say that about your grandfather? yep! I am!).

Out of all the above, I'm certain he would say that marrying my grandma was the best thing he ever did.

One of the neatest and sweetest things Papa Doc has done in his life is hand-making a gold charm bracelet for Grandma. I think he started it when he had his own dental office and has added to it over time (I promise I will get a picture of this soon and post. It's amazing!). He created each charm after hours and over the weekends. Things like an Eiffel Tower after their trip to Paris, a pair of snow skis, a small plane, a charm for each of their kids....just so incredible!!

I really wish that I had some old photos with me to scan and post from over the years...but, these recent ones will have to do :)

{doc, me and dad in honduras on a medical mission trip together}

{this hard worker didn't need breaks on this mission trip. bring the next patient!}

{this is a photo of us in castle bluff for the ground breaking of a building in honor of kyle. papa doc has worn an orange pin on his shirt for kyle every single day since he died. this is one of the quiet ways he shows his amazing heart}

I was born the day after Papa Doc's birthday, so we've always celebrated together. It's our special thing that we share.

{our birthdays in 2005}

Papa Doc is a proud grandfather. He tells me all the time :) I was his first grandchild, so he and I have always been close.
It meant the world to me when they came to Fayetteville both years for the Homecoming hoopla....

{2006 - year of the queendom. both dad and papa doc still tell everyone about this}

{2007 - back to crown the next razorqueen}

{wedding day 2008 - first time ever that papa doc has worn a tux. i felt special!}

I haven't told you how funny he is. Oh, he's a hoot!
He's not trying to be a hoot. But, he's got a great dry sense of humor.
He always has a new phrase or joke that I pick up on when we're together...

{told 'ya he was funny! i took this cell phone pic at colton's steakhouse when he just sat up on the horse saddle in the waiting area. it's the picture that shows up when he calls }

So, on his 82nd birthday, I am honoring him. Thanks for all the love and wisdom you've given me over the years! Thanks for being a role model, standing up for what you believe in, and being true to yourself. You amaze me and many, many others.

I love you, Papa Doc. You're the greatest!!

Happy Birthday to you!!