Birthday Number Three

I've spent all morning trying to dig up photo books and photos to find a picture of Jarrod's father. As you can see it's been an unsuccessful attempt. Everything is buried underneath book boxes. It's his birthday today. The last time we've been in California, Tanner was 5, and Hunter almost 3. It's been a really, really long time. So if I had a birthday wish, on somebody elses birthday, I would wish to see Grandpa Schenewark. It's been too long. Happy Birthday! Who is it for you that you've waited too long to see?

Hey Dad,

I wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I have not gotten a family letter out for a long time and need to start that up again. I want you to know that I am grateful for so many things that you have done. I never have gotten off a letter to tell you even though I have thought about it for some time.

I wish I could be back there to tell you in person, but I just have not been able to get back. Hopefully soon. I have applied for a position up near Livermore, I'll have to see what comes of that.

I don't have alot to give for your birthday, but there are some thoughts and memories that mean a awful lot to me and for which I am grateful.

I am grateful for a number of gifts. I am grateful for all the Christmas mornings that you helped make bright.

I am grateful for the effort and sacrifice to get me clothes and shoes for the start of a new school. I enjoyed going shopping, having the chance to eat out, and the times that you let me keep the change.

I greatly appreciated the baseball glove you got me when I was in Jr. High. I remember you dropping it off when I was walking home from school. The chance to play baseball was a great joy and that glove sure did help.

I am grateful for you paying and providing me with braces so that I could have straight teeth. I am sure that helped me to Amy Jo.

I am thankful for your help that allowed me to get a car, which allowed me to move on from home, get out and begin getting an education which hopefully helped my family.


I'm grateful for all the times you took me to Knotts Berry Farm. That has always been my favorite amusement park. No matter where I have taken my boys, I always have told them about the good times at Knotts Berry Farm.

I am grateful for the times you took me fishing. The time you took me in your Boston Whaler, out into the ocean, where we caught sculpin and saw some pilot whales has always been my greatest fishing adventure and I have likewise shared it with the boys a number of times.

Likewise, I remember well the times, as a small boy, you took me hunting. Being able to go out in the desert, to walk, see wildlife, and hunt, these are some of my favorite memories for which I am eternally grateful. I hope these memories are good for you.

I do wish you a happy birthday and hope that your day is great.

Love,

Jarrod