Grandpa is 50!!!

Hey everyone!

Jeffs turn to post again. Probably not doing this at the best of times, but we got another half inch of rain on top of the 4.5 inches that we got over the two days before that, so we arent getting much done at work right now, and I got a break here now. Gary, dad, or grandpa...whatever his title is, turned 50 yesterday. I was going to write dad a letter, but I decided there is no reason to brag on him in a letter. I want everyone who reads this to know how I feel. He came out to visit not too long ago, and what to put into words has been running through my head since he left. I just about wrote a letter, but decided that wouldnt do justice, so here we are.

Last night on the way home, I was thinking about a man who has lived for half a century, been married for 30+ years to the same wonderful wife, (which is the way it should be, but somewhat rare in this day and age) raised 6 kids that look to be turning out alright :) and has 6 grandkids (with maybe more on the way if Steve or Glenda havent told anyone new news...we dont have news) and loves them like the chickens...aka the dickens!

Dad has been and continues to be a fine example of how to be a son of loving parents, a husband, a father, and a grandpa that every man should follow. Many times having the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, and the uniqueness that only he can possess. Sorry to bring it up again dad, but driving a Harley in 45 degree weather 750 miles with no liscense to see family has to qualify for uniqueness!

A man who loves living, inspiring his kids to do what they love, showing how we have to have good work ethic in all that we do, (note here: not to brag on us, but no one has every accused the Westra boys of being lazy on a job because we were brought up to work hard! ) but being able to enjoy some things in life when the work is done, mostly with family because that is priority number 2 behind keeping faith in line. Being passionate for the outdoors, usually fishing or hunting or sitting by a body of water with family and friends. Teaching his children how to be parents by example, and not just owning the title cuz they learned the science of reproducing :) Loving his grandkids, spoiling them, and teaching them, and maybe most importantly laughing when his grandkids get to be a handful to their parents just like his kids did to him! Its an amazing thing to watch how bright eyed these kids can get when grandpa comes around. Every child being very different, but all in all, their love for grandpa is the same. Listening to Miya lately has been pretty funny. Nicki told me last nite that when Miya came down from her nap yesterday, she said she didnt sleep cuz she was playing with her babies in grandpas bed (the bed in the room right next to hers that grandpa slept in when he was here). Watching Jaden after she warmed up to grandpa after a few hours and hearing her EH! EH! when she wants grandpa to pick her up again. Hearing stories from Iowa about how he loves Marissa, Carter, Cambrie and Madison, and the laughter that these young ones bring on a day to day basis.
But maybe, most importantly, knowing my dad is leaving a legacy. We are all put on this earth for a purpose. Dad isnt one who just sits back and lets life happen. He wears many hats, and I dont mean John Deere hats although he wears those too. What I mean by that is he jugles many things in life. He is involved all over the place. Involved in family, ie brothers, sisters, mother, in-laws, involved with his wife, even when shopping is in order, involved in church, involved in school support, involved in kids sports and musical things, involved in his grandkids lives, involved in his kids work, involved in his kids farms, involved in opportunities...all these hats, yet not letting a single hat collect dust on a shelf. He is one who has many obligations, yet lives his life according to priorities. Knowing that being a dad means teaching his children and grandchildren spiritually. (He's probably the best scripture quoter of Ephesians 6:1 that Ive ever seen...if you dont know what it is, look it up...best passage ever for kids to read :)
With all that being said dad, if you are reading this now, I want you to know, I dont know if these next words could come out of my mouth without crying too hard. I want you know how very proud I am of you...How very proud I am to be called your son...Very proud of the knowledge you have passed on to me in the years of MY life...How proud I am to talk about my dad to my kids...and how hopeful I am that I can be the father to my kids, the husband to my wife, and if God allows, the grandpa to my grandkids that you are being...the legacy you continue to leave on a day to day basis will be passed on to every generation that God continues to allow for.

Thank you for being who you are...I love ya...and I hope the next 50 years of your life if God so chooses to bless you with it will be as remembered as the first 50 were.