Week 179
Positive post Sunday, July 26, 2020- Week 179.
Today’s PPS is as they say a “no brainer”, we’re celebrating my dad’s 85th Birthday!
A letter to my father Ken Rendler
Dad,
Happy 85th Birthday, a milestone not only for you but for our entire family.
I thank the good Lord every day for the blessing of continuing to have you and mom (Dana Rendler now on Facebook!) in my life and the lives of your grand and great grandchildren. Recognizing that many of my friends and our family have lost their parents (rest in peace Mike and Fay Lomen and Uncle Ronny), I cherish the time we have together. I’m both fortunate and grateful for all you have done for our family over the years.
As I reflect on my younger years, I do so with very fond memories. Although you were very busy and often traveling, you always found time for Karen, Tom and me. From coaching me on the Knights in tee ball to taking us on memorable camping trips to working hard and unselfishly making personal and financial sacrifices to offer me the opportunity to earn a Catholic school education all the way through high school and a college degree. Most importantly, you and mom made sure that I had the spiritual and moral foundation that has guided me through the many challenging times I have and will continue to face in this complex world we live in. You always stressed the importance of family and marriage. You have led by example to this day, always going to church, volunteering your time and now you and mom are getting ready to celebrate your 65th wedding anniversary. That is quite an accomplishment in today’s day and age where many marriages don’t survive.
Dad, thanks for being an amazing role model, you have shown me firsthand how to be a man of Faith, a loving husband, father and Papa, and the importance of a strong work ethic and career. Yes, I was listening a few years back when, at our family dinner at Kobe in Hawaii, you shared your three pillars of life, Faith, Family and Work. You have clearly excelled in all three. You have always been there for me and my ever-growing family. You know it is often not until later in life that you truly understand the generosity and sacrifices parents make for their children. Please know that I and my family will forever be grateful for all you and mom have done for us. The best way I can think to honor and thank you, is to pay it forward to Michele, our children and grandchildren. I have a long way to go to earn the level of respect you have from me, but I am committed to carrying on your legacy.
Dad, one treasure I will always cherish is our 3 pictures of 4 generations. I have truly been blessed, not just to have the photos, but for the quality time and memories I have been so fortunate to have across 4 generations. It’s now time to set the bar higher and take our first 5 generations picture in a few years! I hope you take a few minutes to look deeply into the photos I’ve attached to this post. These are far more than photos, they’re your legacy!
Speaking of legacy, we made an $85 donation to the Rendler Family Foundation Fund in your name
Happy Birthday Dad,
I Love You,
Daniel Joseph Rendler
To those of you who have lost a father and/or mother, my prayers are with you. May they be resting in peace.
To those of you that are fortunate to still have parents in your lives, how are you showing them your appreciation while they are still with you, especially during these most challenging times? Your love and support can literally be the difference between life and death.