Dear Papa Hans

Today is your birthday, September 10. Happy Birthday In heaven Papa Hans! I know to some it may seem strange I call you Papa Hans, considering I never got to meet you. But in our house, you are so regularly remembered, it seems as though I know you very well. Your memory lives on very strongly in your kids.

Your birthday is always a special day for me, as it reminds me where my amazing husband got most of his fabulous qualities. He loves to talk about you, telling hunting stories or farm stories. Most of his favorite memories with you lie on a Mountain in MT. Your birthday also reminds me of where my kids got their signature ears, just like yours. Their signature eyes...

Today we celebrate you. We celebrate your work ethic that you taught your kids,  and will be passed on to your grand kids. We celebrate your love of the outdoors, your of hunting. We celebrate you spending the week on the mountain with the Mr, randomly placing elk around him as if it were a game of cat and mouse. He laughed about what you might be thinking.  We celebrate your kind heart that you passed on to your kids. We celebrate you. 

I know this day is hard for your kids, their hearts ache because they miss you. I try to let my heart sing and encourage the Mr to let his sing too, remembering you are with us daily. Even though you don't get to join in on playing with the nuggets, they know you and you know them. Our nuggets love to talk about you, discussing stories with Daddy. They love to send balloons to heaven, and make small trinkets in your memory. 

You are a true legacy, something all hope to accomplish In their lifetime. You didn't even have to try, you became a legacy just by being...you. 

So today, Papa Hans, we celebrate you on your birthday in heaven. We know you're feasting on a big Steak and doing all things you love. Here on earth, we'll think about you and a smile will fill our faces. 

Love,

J