Today is the birthday of one of the greatest human beings I've had the pleasure of having in my life. Thomas Laster is my grandfather. I can't even begin to put into words the impact that he has had in my life as well as our family's. He is the most upstanding, hard working, good man I've ever known. Even his stubbornness is quite endearing. He has worked hard his entire life and always put family first. He has always been very dilagent in saving money so his wife and children could have the best even if it meant forgoing things for himself. He has so many amazing talents. He is superb builder. He has drawn house plans and built homes his entire life with no formal education. He built our house as well as his own. He can basicly made anything! He always built our playsets as children. I hope Kal-el will get to enjoy him as much as I have as he grows up. He is our rock. He makes me want to be a better person everyday. He sets so many examples just by how he has lived his own life. I admire him so. Chris and I named Kal-el after him. He has been a father to me as well as a grandfather. I have always known if I ever needed anything he would always be there for me. One of the most touching parts our our relationship is how remarkably compassionate and open minded someone from his generation having lived in the south his entire life has been regarding my choice in a husband. Chris and Poppa adore each other. Its precious and a beautiful thing to see. He is equally close to Kal-el. I cant say enough about him and his goodness. I have countless fond memories with my grandfather. My first memory with Poppa was when i was about 3 yrs old and he would push me around in my little red wagon. One day as we were strolling a neighbor remarked "Heeey Thomas that sure is a pretty little boy you got there" Of course this gave my already neurotic 3 yr old mind a complex so the whole ride home I got told that I was the prettiest little girl in the whole wide world and b/c my Poppa said it I really believed it. I'm sure me reciting this phrase often embarrassed my mother. I remember every Saturday morning from the time I was 4 or 5 years old going to Mc Donalds with Poppa and ordering a big breakfast. I obviously loved food then to. I always put strawberry jelly on my eggs ...hush its really good!...and shared them with Poppa. Then we would leave in his favorite old pickup that we name named the "Lollipop Truck" B/c my family called me Lollie sometimes ..so it was Lollie and Poppas truck..Lollipop...we would head in the direction of the movie rental place while Poppa patiently waited while I inspected every movie only to grab one that I'd usually already seen at least 3 times. I talked and asked questions the whole time. He always gave me wonderfully insightful answers and would often throw in how corrupt our government is lol. I remember playing in the backyard and being terrified of bees. He was always my hero he would catch the bee by its wings and show it to me then turn it loose and we would watch it fly off. And during my teenage years when kids often want to do their own thing he always leave little notes on my car with money in case I ever went out and didnt have any. I could write a book full of all the wonderful times that we've had. I will cherish him for the rest of my life. To celebrate this special mans birthday my family did the usual Mexican restaurant outing. We had originally planned on doing a shrimp boil and swimming but after calling it on and off for a grand total of 8 times we opted against it and decided going out would be much easier! I great time was had by all and Poppa really enjoyed his yummy Choc b-day cake with Blackberry Cobbler ice cream. Happy Birthday Poppa! We LOVE you :)
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