Papa Smurf Turns 50

"Papa Smurf the leader of the Smurfs and the only Smurf who wears red.  Papa Smurf brings the Smurfs to safety in times of danger and crisis.  Everyone in Smurf Village turns to Papa Smurf when things go awry."

I found this info about Papa Smurf recently and although the nickname Papa Smurf just happened, I thought how ironic it was that this description of Papa Smurf fits so well with my Papa Smurf.  I'm sure at times he wishes he wasn't burdened with so much responsibility in the "Smurf Village" but non-the-less, he carries that responsibility well.  So today is our day to celebrate with Papa Smurf.  So hop aboard and take a little trip down memory lane with me.  (I wish I had the pictures I really wanted, but the few I have will have to make do.)

I have this picture hanging on my frig and I'm not sure what it is I love about it, maybe it's the beautiful sunshine in the background or the smile on Papa Smurf's face or maybe the fact that I knew even at that age that my Papa Smurf loved me.

(Check out that yawn...yikes...I think I was bored.)  Again, another winner from the 80's.  Papa Smurf has always had a way with kids.  Even today the grandkids know their Pappy well and sure do enjoy hanging out with him.  He keeps a special stash of candy in his office at the shop and Rachel and Isaac both know right where it is.

Having Papa Smurf as my dad is the coolest!  He made time to play with us in the evenings after work and early on made it a point to be involved in our lives and in turn we became actively involved in the business.

And that time at the shop included busy deer seasons and some time in between to celebrate birthday's.  Some of my fondest memories of Papa Smurf are times we had working together.  The life lessons I learned from working next to him are priceless and although I didn't always enjoy or appreciate laying out jerky or pinching pies, I'm grateful now for the opportunities and the importance it was to him to have us there.

But one thing I always liked about Papa Smurf was his humerous side.  Oh to hear him laugh...that is music to my ears!

Papa Smurf and Mom were my greatest fans during nursing school.  They kept me going when I thought it was just too hard.  I remember a conversation early on when I had first started college and I was crying because I didn't want to go back and the thought of 3 years of this was about more than I could bear.  Papa Smurf looked me in the eye and said, "You're gonna do this and you're gonna make it, because I believe in you."  I knew at that moment that if I ever made it to graduation day, that although he would be sitting, he would really be walking across that stage with me, head held high.  I'm so thankful for the gifts of wonderful parents and the inspiration they've been to me!

Again, another one of my favorite photos.  I don't remember the conversation but I remember feeling blessed in that moment that I had the privilege of calling the man next to me, Dad.  The piece of paper sticking out of his shirt pocket was his speech.  You see, Papa Smurf doesn't do things the ordinary way, no, he has his own unique, Papa Smurf way that just adds to his character.  He couldn't just give the simple "We do" answer to "who gives this woman...".  He approached me the week of the wedding and wanted my approval to give his own speech after walking me down the aisle.  And what a speech it was.  That was another one of those "I'll never forget" moments.  I still have that wrinkled piece of paper.

 I would have given anything to know what Papa Smurf was thinking in this moment.  I remember looking out the door of the nursery as the last of my bridesmaids made her way down the aisle and Papa Smurf was pacing the floor across from me.  It pulled at my heartstrings to think that he would no longer be waking me up with his coffee breath in the morning and crawling in bed beside me (because lets face it, any chance he has for a cat nap, he takes...I often thought he used the waking up thing as an excuse to get a few extra minutes of sleep..."gotta go see a man about a horse", whatever Dad).

 And then there was the father-daughter dance he surprised me with.  We had talked about this about a week before the wedding and he wasn't up for it at the time.  (He's not one for dancing.)  But again, he came through in true Papa Smurf style and wa-la, my heart swelled again with pride and thankfulness that he is MY Dad and does things his own way.

I think I've already mentioned that this is one of his great loves in life...a nap.  "I'm just gonna sit on my chair for a little"...whatever makes you happy, Papa Smurf.

Isaac and Pappy...I get a kick outta watching him be Pappy to my little buddies.  My greatest wish...to see him be Pappy to my children.

I just shake my head at this one.  He just had to jump in at the last minute on this picture, but again, that's Papa Smurf for you.  You just never know when he'll pop up.

This past summer, Papa Smurf and Mom came out west for a visit and oh what a time we had together.  Those first few days we spent a little time checking out the scenery and much of that time was spent laughing.  Papa Smurf found his "recliner" in the form of Jamie's toolbox and a piece of wood and I think right about then he was thinking he should go "see a man about a horse".

Happy Birthday, Papa Smurf!  I'm so proud to call you, Dad!  I'd like to end this post with a few special memories...just for you.

ice cream orders at the dinner tableSCARING BEARS AT THE CABINdriving lessons

Waterskiing a.k.a bobbingSunday afternoon lunch

FRIDAY AFTERNOON DATES AT THE STOREdriving through snow banks with the brown carmorning devotionsMaking bolognabIRTHDAY bREAKFASTS aT bIRCH nOLLGOING TO MARKETA-ssistantspatio partiesSunday E-mailsheavy batteries at Raystown...there is so much more I could add, but at the speed my computer is going, you'd turn 51 before I could post this blog.  I just want you to know that I'm so grateful for the influence you've had on my life and the special connection I share as your daughter.  You do have your own way of doing things and although it drives us all crazy at times, I love you so much for being unique and stepping outside of the box and for not being afraid to just be you.  Your life is an inspiration to many and I'm thrilled that your role in my life was dad.  Enjoy your day...I'm thankful we got to "talk" in person.

I LOVE YOU, Papa Smurf!