A mountain of a influence

Good Morning friends,

I got to be a part of a very special event this last weekend. It was the 90th birthday party of David Roe.

I even spoke. I am not impressed by titles or credentials for anyone but more with the integrity and honor of the person. The party included 2 senators, 3 former Governors, a lieutenant Governor and a Vice President, plus a myriad of other political and government people and many friends. I got to take pictures of all these amazing people who were there for one reason, to celebrate this amazing mans birthday. They talked about this cigar smoking, get things done guy who respected men and was a man of his word. A man who treated every person with respect and honor. A man who made things happen in high places and in the Labor world. He built monuments, traveled and saw amazing things and met amazing people. He was there when they gave the Panama Canal back to panama. He was there at the Kentucky Derby for 50 years. He met Presidents and athletes and movie stars. He has been a guest at the White House, and ridden on Air force One and served his country in the Navy. This man who didn't go to college but was a Regent at U of M. A man of power and influence. I got to glimpse that man a little this day. To me and another group of people he is Boppa, He is a grandpa, great grandpa and hopefully soon a great great grandpa, A husband and father. He treated his family and wife as though they were the most important people in the world. To me he is the grandpa I always longed for.  He is the funny hat wearing, silly person who wears his love for everyone on his sleeve, and is not afraid to show emotion about that love. I have seen him mad, and sad, and happy and silly, and he is always that strong move mountains man. He was blessed with much in life but also shared everything he had. The thing I love the most about him is the fact that he never treated me any different then a president. I was a country bumpkin with little life knowledge, and he warmly welcomed me into their family the first moment I met Him and Nana. I have never once felt unwanted or loved whit them. I just hope I can model my life in such a way that integrity and love can be shared with the highest to the lowest. Where my love and influence can change the world, even if it is the world to one person. To learn that All men are the same. Someone who at 90 a room full of people who love you surround you and wish you well. Someone who isn't afraid to cry in front of powerful people, when you talk about your spouse and love of your life. This man who has spoken to thousands, made such a mark on this one person that I never will again feel as though I didn't have the best grandfather in the world.

We love you Boppa

Always

Suszi