dad: the giver

a couple years ago, adam, lucy, and myself were all extremely ill with the flu. we were all vomiting...as well as other things, and could barely move. i remember taking a nap on the cold bathroom floor because it was the only place where the pain wasn't as intense. this was the first time lucy had ever been sick, and she was having a hard time understanding what was happening to her. since we all felt too sick and too weak to take care of ourselves, let alone a very young, not-yet-crawling elliot, my dad came to our rescue! he drove out to belvidere, bringing with him gifts of gallons of ginger ale, loaves and loaves of bread, pepto bismo, and some other helpful necessities, and he helped take care of us. he did this without being asked, and without a second thought! as soon as he arrived with reinforcements, we all began to feel better and regain our strength. this is how he has always been! he gives and gives and gives. and even when he should be resting, he still feels the urge to keep on giving!

well, my dad is in a position where the tables are turned, and he needs to receive the same level of care and effort he has bestowed on every member of our family. so, all the kids, their spouses, and the older grandkids have banned together to do something special...a BIG, MOUNTAIN of a task, while he is on vacation in florida! the goal is to start this train of helpful and positive energy that will just keep picking up speed...and hopefully passengers!! :)

dad, you [should] KNOW that you deserve it, because you have been such an inspiration in all our lives, and you have been there for every single one of us, without complaint, and without a second thought.

may this be the first of many tokens of our gratitude. you deserve it, and so much more!

WE LOVE YOU DAD!!!!!