Happy Birthday Keenan!

Last year's snow storm

Today is Geoff's dad's birthday, and living with him for these many months has been such a delight in so many ways that I want to write a little about him as a birthday tribute.

Most of my thoughts are about him as a Father. Watching him interact with our children gives me a little glimpse into what Geoff's childhood was like, and his dad's contribution to the remarkable human beings all eight of his children are.

When Geoff's dad (Keenan) is with the girls he is 100% present. He delights in their ideas, their silliness (and joins right in), the singing, and their uniqueness. He joins in on their childish ways: making super silly faces, creating funny sounds, laughing loudly at their jokes (genuinely), dancing around with exaggerated movement, letting them climb all over his head and back, and getting generally wild. And, he challenges their thinking, teaching them about everything from the Magna Carta to the solar system, and other topics I unfortunately can't pull out of my sleeve on a moment's notice! He has been reading them poetry with such animation that they beg for more, and then they run upstairs to try their own poetry voice out. They feel his love because he really believes in them, in the most sincere way. In his eyes they really can do anything.

He rejoices in his children/grandchildren. He marvels at who they are, and regularly acknowledges their unique characteristics and abilities. He seems to hunger for knowledge of any sort, so any conversation is worthwhile and he gives full attention and curiosity. He is overwhelmingly thoughtful and generous, and responds to any call for help. He asks and demands very little. His favorite word is...tremendous. And everything is tremendous. He is a tremendous human being; more importantly, a tremendous Father.

Thank you, Keenan, for your example and goodness. We all love you and are inspired by you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!