Both my kids are hours away on my birthday, one in Chattanooga, one in Knoxville, so I didn't get to see them today. But as I was closing out the computer, I happened upon a Facebook post that I wasn't aware of. It was my son's.
My father, the most reverend Keith Buddemeyer, was born the 4th of April, many many many (many) moons ago. He has weathered both upheaval and grind in all aspects of life. He has suffered through countless water balloon wars, public oatmeal slimings, underwear races, and infinite verses of "Oh, You Can't Get to Heaven". He laughs (if a little weakly) in the face of all-night Lock-Ins. He has driven in ridiculous conditions, with ridiculous people, more or less across the entire contiguous United States. He continues to walk triumphantly through the perfect storm of chaos, confusion, and irritation that is raising my sister and I for the past 23 years. After all this he still manages to meet life, more often than not, with a smile on his face and joy in his heart. He is a great husband, father, and role model. Whether I like it or not, my image of God my Father will always have some trappings of Keith Buddemeyer, and I think he has lived up to that responsibility as well as any father ever has. He has caught my puke and still claims me.
Happy birthday, Dad. Sorry I made mom cry.
Then I found one from my daughter. Here's hers:
Well since my brother has obviously out done me in the Keith Buddemeyer honor wall ill go the other way. My father has done many things in his life including breaking my finger, punching youth kids and squeezing small children until they can't breath. Even with all this everyone is obviously in love with him, all the guys at Johnson included, and spends as much time with him as possible. With 50 years on this earth he has done many many crazy dangerous stunts. Lets pray he has 50 more to scare us even more. Love you daddy!
Not a bad way to start my second 50 years. No sir indeed.
My father, the most reverend Keith Buddemeyer, was born the 4th of April, many many many (many) moons ago. He has weathered both upheaval and grind in all aspects of life. He has suffered through countless water balloon wars, public oatmeal slimings, underwear races, and infinite verses of "Oh, You Can't Get to Heaven". He laughs (if a little weakly) in the face of all-night Lock-Ins. He has driven in ridiculous conditions, with ridiculous people, more or less across the entire contiguous United States. He continues to walk triumphantly through the perfect storm of chaos, confusion, and irritation that is raising my sister and I for the past 23 years. After all this he still manages to meet life, more often than not, with a smile on his face and joy in his heart. He is a great husband, father, and role model. Whether I like it or not, my image of God my Father will always have some trappings of Keith Buddemeyer, and I think he has lived up to that responsibility as well as any father ever has. He has caught my puke and still claims me.
Happy birthday, Dad. Sorry I made mom cry.
Then I found one from my daughter. Here's hers:
Well since my brother has obviously out done me in the Keith Buddemeyer honor wall ill go the other way. My father has done many things in his life including breaking my finger, punching youth kids and squeezing small children until they can't breath. Even with all this everyone is obviously in love with him, all the guys at Johnson included, and spends as much time with him as possible. With 50 years on this earth he has done many many crazy dangerous stunts. Lets pray he has 50 more to scare us even more. Love you daddy!
Not a bad way to start my second 50 years. No sir indeed.
