A Centenarian!

Last weekend we were in Naples, Florida to celebrate Fred Nelson’s 100th birthday!  We had a great time helping him celebrate his 100 years of life.  Grandpa has been part of my life the past 22 years, and has been such a blessing to me and many others.  He immigrated from Sweden as a young boy, and spent his career in the ministry, founding two new congregations along the way.  Grandpa shared some prepared words with his 70 adoring fans.  It was beautiful, and he honored Grandma, may she rest in peace, as the secret to his successful ministry.  I tried to soak up the sights, sounds and words of the day and secure them into my memory.  After his speech, I had a chance to chat with Grandpa.

Tara: Grandpa, I loved your speech, it was very moving.

Grandpa: Really?  Was is Ok?  I cut out the first part because it sounded too much like a sermon.  Are you sure it was Ok?

Tara: Grandpa, it was more than OK, it was WONDERFUL!  We loved it!  I really liked how you framed your message.  And I can’t believe you hardly used your notes! 

He’s so cute.  After all those years of preaching, he’s wondering if he’s still “got it”.  I think he does!

We also had a great time reconnecting with other relatives.  I hadn’t seen some of my cousins in 7 years!  Was fun to catch up and meet their children.   Cousin Christy shared with us the side benefit from all her bouldering, she can do a pull up on a door frame!  Of course the weekend would not have been complete without late night laughs with Justin.  He shared with us his mad cooking skills, ending with an “Uncle Louie” egg creations and cans of Bud Light.  Nice. 

The Birthday Boy!

Uncle Louie...Mmmm.