Papa

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This time each year my heart takes a rollercoaster ride. We’re shaking off the busyness of summer. The kiddos go back to school and grow up some more on us. And our family celebrates at least 15 birthdays in September.

And this year’s heart rollercoaster ride is right on time. Our oldest is starting her third year of college; our middle is starting his third year of high school; and our youngest is starting kindergarten (first-time readers, that’s not a typo). I’ve smiled and laughed and shed my quiet mama tears as always, when I think of how much they’ve all grown and how blessed my hubby and I are as their parents.

This year’s ride is also different. While back-to-schooling, I usually would have planned something special to celebrate Dad’s birthday, too. Today would have meant simply being with him and enjoying colorful balloons, yummy cake, and lots of cards and gifts from loved ones near and far. Dad and I would have talked about the kids heading to school, inevitably sparking wonderful stories about how much he enjoyed his years as a teacher and principal.

My sis has often said that our parents were “little people people,” and she’s right. They marveled in the innocence and magic of children. Mom and Dad invested their lives not only in raising us, but also in positively impacting children they taught professionally, inspired at church, and loved in our extended family and community. And the grandkids? Spoiled generously by “Grammy and Papa Booker.” Dad would often tease me and my sis by saying, “If I knew grandkids were this much fun, I would have had THEM first, and then you girls.”

Children were such a joy to our parents. So, on what would have been Dad’s 93rd birthday today, it especially feels fitting to remember him wearing his Papa Booker hat with love. Here’s Dad in action, taking a break from his artwork to enjoy our youngest as a newborn. Volume up.

Happy heavenly birthday, Papa.
xo,
Karin

14 thoughts on “Papa”

  2. Sharell Franklin

    Dear Karin, your eloquent summary of how your parents loved “little people” bought back found memories of always being able to jump the ditch over to The Bookers and know that a joy-filled welcome always awaited you from your parents (and your Mom’s parents too!). Thank you for sharing…and like the generations before you….Caring too! Mat God continue to Bless you and your family with love, laughter and great memories! And also lots of energy for you Mom and Dad – your kindergartener will be in college before you know it!😅🥰

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    1. stretch&grow Post author

      Sharell, I so appreciate you and the memories you’ve shared! Jumping the ditch between our houses was always fun – a truly sweet childhood memory. 🥹 And the Duke fam will remain in our hearts with ❤️ forever. Sending you my thankful hugs and a hearty amen on how quickly time moves with the kiddos! 🤎🥰

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  3. Tori

    Volume up. Tears welling up too. Wow, Karin. That was an enormous love treat. To hear him. See him. In his glory and happy with little people. Especially one of his grands like you said. Thank you for sharing one of my favorite souls ever with us today on his special day. I miss him. I’m hugging you. And yet again, your words and transparent expression warmed my heart. Here’s to love and our magical loved ones.

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    1. stretch&grow Post author

      My sweet Tori, your note makes my heart full. As Dad’s “Little Toe,” you always held a very special place in his heart. Thank you always for being in my corner and rooting me onward. I love you tight, xoxo

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    1. stretch&grow Post author

      Vickie, thank YOU for reading and sharing your kind note. I miss Dad’s bass voice and stories so much. Of all the Dad-clips I have, this is one of my favs. Hugs to you always, 🧡

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  7. Zenda

    You have shared the blessing of your beautiful family and celebrated your dad so eloquently. Thank you for sharing your words and the video. Sending lots of love to you today and during the rollercoaster ride.

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