Happy 88th birthday to my Dad Homer!~
Dad is shown in this photo with my daughter, Abby.
I love this photo, since it shows lots about my dad’s character! He’s fun, lighthearted about many things, and enjoys life.
I’m writing this a bit early, as I’m flying to Toledo this week to spend Easter on Sunday with my parents and my family. Dad’s 88th birthday is actually on April 2nd.
My dad was born Levi Homer Shank, the second of 6 children. Everyone calls him “Homer”.
Dad is like a magnet with people. His energy, love, compassion, his beyond friendly ways with everyone he meets, is the magnet. He has a good sense of humor and carries that out into his life every day.
From the time I was a little girl, I remember the love my mom and dad had for each other. We would all giggle each day when he got home from working as a carpenter, and swoop my mom into his arms for a big kiss!
Because my dad didn’t want my mom to work outside of the home, to make ends meet with 5 kids, he’d come home after working all day, eat dinner and then leave again to work until late at night. And then turn around and do this for 5 days. I seem to remember he worked on some Saturday’s too, only never on Sundays. This was the day we went to church, had Sunday dinner/lunch and visited with extended family.
He was always a fantastic listener and still is today. I always feel like Dad really cares about me and what I have to say. I have always felt like I matter greatly to him.
My parents taught all of us great values by their example. Their faith and being of service is something that has come naturally to my parents. They remain a big part of their church, making a difference in many lives.
Family is such a large part of all of us. I moved to Indiana, 3 hours away, at the end of 1981 when I got married and I later moved further away to Minnesota in 1992. I’m the only child that moved out of the Toledo, Ohio area.
As a result, I get to have lots of cherished time with my parents when I stay in my old bedroom in the home I grew up in. I love our times in the morning over coffee and later at night when all the others have gone home.
We all feel the same way, Dad. You and Mom are the center of our family, and we are all so very grateful you are doing well, healthy and staying busy.
Most of all, we are blessed to have each other and I love you Dad, more than I can express. I know you know how much I love you.
Thank you for being the most amazing example of what a loving, caring, Godly man is to me, all of my siblings, all of your grandchildren and great grandchildren, to Mom and everyone you meet!
With all of my love and appreciation,
Connie
PS. October 5-12, 2018 is a very special time for a small group of people to get together in paradise. Our Glow Kauai Spiritual Vacation Retreat will be going on for 7 days/7 nights.
This time will be one of the best vacations you will have ever spent in your life. In addition you will carry home with you ways to transform your life, both personal and professional. All while being pampered with massage, our own chef and guides to explore this magical island.
All information and videos are here on my retreat page:
http://www.conniehertz.com/retreat
Contact me ASAP if this is something that is speaking to you!
Aloha!~
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