Happy Birthday

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! 1 John 3:1

Being God's Children allows us to see Him as our Heavenly and Earthly Father.

As children, one of the things we look forward to is Birthday Parties. In the Patton House, February was and is a big birthday month:

Greg - 2/2; Charlie 2/2; Laura 2/11; Mom 2/13; Uncle George 2/13, Papa 2/18, and Grandpa Stan 2/28. I may have missed 1 or two.

Over the years we have tried to gather to celebrate the birthdays on a regular basis.

Our children are still talking about last February in 2008. We were celebrating the birthdays, and my Dad stood up to read a poem that he had written for the occasion. The poem was in honor of my mother. I can't remember the words, but I do recall the emotions.

As he stood reading, he trembled and cried as he cited his love and thanks for his wife of 50 years. They were and will always be best friends. He was normally not a crier at such events, but this was different. We knew his health was not improving on a daily basis, although he could still get out and clear the driveway of 8" of snow on any given day.

Our children from time to time will ask us why Papa was crying that night. When you love someone so much, and you have to say goodbye, tears come from your heart. They are not your words, but they are the words of the Holy Spirit.

We come from God, and we return to God. We always belong to Him.

Love your families like Christ loved Children. It is a special place to be, and the memories that come from the walls of your house will last a lifetime.

Tim