Isn't She Lovely

When I was about 3, Stevie Wonder came out with a song called, "Isn't She Lovely?"

Isn't she lovely?
Isn't she wonderful?

My dad told me that Stevie Wonder wrote that song about me. And of course, I totally believed him.

I distinctly remember being in the family Pinto on many occassions and that song would come on the radio. Dad would say, "There's Lori's song!" and turn up the radio and we'd all sing along.

Isn't she lovely?
Isn't she wonderful?

I can still remember the woodpaneling on that vehicle. The way the plastic seats would stick to your legs in the summer. The two bucket seats in the back and the way the three of us (at the time) would argue over who had to sit on "the hump." (No seatbelt laws back then).

Sometime down the road I realized that I'd never and would never meet Stevie Wonder. Dad had lied, but convincingly. Or maybe it was just more important that his lie had told me that he loved me.

Years later, as a missionary away from home, I'd hear that song playing on the Musak over a store soundsystem and I'd miss my dad.

When my brother and his wife were married a few weeks ago, they had that song played at their wedding reception as the 2nd dance. It was a surprise for me. They'd done it so that I could dance with my dad to my song.

Isn't she lovely?
Isn't she wonderful?

Proud of Papa

My dad retired from the military today, after 37 years of service. He's been back full-time active-duty since 1985, but he's been in the military since 1970. Starting Monday, he won't have to choose from matching camoflauged suits for going into the office. I'm not sure if he'll know what to do with himself.

I had the opportunity to attend his retirement ceremony (held at "airplane on a stick" for those of you who are local and know where that building is), which was very nice. It was good to see him get some recognition for something to which he's devoted so much of his life.

I've always been very proud of my dad and of the service he's given our country. And for the dedication he's had to the other soliders he's served.

I've always fancied myself as from a "military family". My grandfather and my step-grandfather both fought in WWII. My mom's brother was killed in Viet Nam. My father served in Viet Nam (I was born approximately 10 months after he came home :)) It's a strong group of men (and the women who are married to them or love them are of the same stock, Mom).

Thank you for serving, Papa. Then and now. And thank you for teaching me what the words "courage, valor, honor, duty and service" really mean by the way you live your life.