Bill shows how a man should lead a life

I need to get a birthday card. I intend to surprise my brother-in-law Bill. 

 Almost every year I forget Bill’s birthday. In January I remind myself to remember to get him a card. Then in February, which is when most of the family has their birthdays, I remind myself again. Then either March or April I think of it again. The next thing I know it is August or September and I have missed his birthday, which is in June. I do this more often than not. You could almost say it is a tradition. I am not proud of this.

 I have no idea why I keep missing his special day. He is a really nice guy. He loves his wife, children and grandchildren. He is active in his community and more than willing to do anything that needs doing. If he were so inclined he would make an excellent president. 

 He is likeable and smart. He is younger than many of the leaders we have had recently. He is also a lot more civil than many of our top politicians. So that might be a problem. It is too bad that Bill doesn’t have political ambitions.

 He has nurtured and encouraged his wife’s artistry. Sue has designed everything from Christmas ornaments, calendars, flags, note cards and any number of hand-painted designs. It is obvious that he is proud of her and adores her.

 Bill has also encouraged his oldest daughter, Sara, in her acting and producing career. She appeared in a Hallmark movie, “Lake Effects” which was filmed in part at Sue and Bill’s house.

Sara also does motivational speaking. She hosts a weekly yoga class of one. That one being her sister, Margaret’s little girl, Isabella, who at five years old is as self assured and cute as a child can be.  

 Their middle girl, Jane, is an art teacher and athlete. She is every bit as talented as her mom, Sue. In addition to teaching, she coaches and is an avid runner. She has completed the Boston marathon more than once. There isn’t an ounce of fat on her. She is the only woman I have ever seen that has a perfectly flat belly after giving birth.

 The youngest daughter is Margaret. She is fortunate to be able to do most of her work at home. Her little girl has appeared in more than one on-line meeting. 

 The point is that due to an excellent, caring and wholesome family life, the girls and their children have had the privilege of having a man who plays a key role in their lives. It is from him that they have learned how a man should lead his life. They have benefitted from his guidance and love.

 Like many of us who have grandchildren, the pandemic has put a crimp in Bill’s life. They had gotten used to visiting the grands on a regular basis. Skype and other video programs are not the same as being able to hold a grandfather’s hand while walking through a grocery store. 

 Even though everyone’s routines have been upended, Bill remains an example of how to accept  it with grace, just like he accepts that most of the time he will not get a birthday card from us. I hope that writing about this will finally motivate me to get something in the mail to him before January rolls around again.