Grampa.

Some other big news in your life Hazel is that your Grampa had some pretty major surgery. He got his heart all fixed up so he could be there to see you graduate from High School. It was a long time coming for this surgery...and even though we were all very nervous...it was a life saving adventure. (Triple bipass and valve replacement). We are so thankful for his incredibly skilled surgeon, Dr. Stapleton, for taking such good care of your Grampa while he was healing.

So speaking of...there's just a few things that you need to know about your Grampa. He deserves a small highlight in this blog for all the recovery he endured.

1. He will always support you. No matter what. He will be at every dance recital....every Halloween parade...every birthday party...and every school dance...to wish you well and make sure you know he loves you.
2. He will always be the one to give you an extra candy or an extra piece of cheese no matter how many times your Mom and Dad say that cheese gives you potty issues.
3. He will always be the silly Grampa that loves to make dirt pies, watch Rapunzel for the 40th time, or be ready for a dance party.
4. He will silently support you in ways that you will never know until you yourself are a parent...but you will understand them someday and I hope you can read this again and remember your Grampa.
5. He will love you with all his heart for his whole life here on earth.

I KNOW all of these things because that's the kind of dad he was to me...and he makes an even better Grampa. I am so blessed to have been raised by such a strong leader and a never-ending mentor to life full of grace and generosity...and you have been grandfathered (no pun intended) in to this blessing.

Enjoy these moments with your Grandparents, Hazel...life is short. It's precious...and F.U.N.

**Disclaimer -- YES...Hazel has three other INCREDIBLE grandparents (Grandma, Nana, Grampie)...there is no doubt about that...Getting yourself a major heart surgery will land a spot on this utterly famous and world-wide known blog!** (wink, wink)