Here are some photos from when friends and family in Sweden celebrated my father turning 80 (another party took place in USA a week after this). There are many reasons to celebrate this man. First and foremost, isn’t it amazing how he has kept all of his hair! Compare below the two of us. If it was only the hair, it would be hard to believe we are related… haha. (The 80 year old is on the right)
But in many ways we are very much alike. Someone said we are both like the absent minded professor. I guess that’s true (and maybe some of that goes for my brother’s as well); there’s always a lot to do and think about, so we forget half of it. And keys, wallets and cell phones always seem to disappear from us. Can’t understand why?
Kidding aside, I am really proud of my father. He has been a great example in my life: a hard worker and someone who never says no to helping another person. In fact, if there’s no one around to help, he will go out and find someone. To those that have come to know him, they see a person they always can count on.
And like Per said at the party, most importantly our dad (and mom) has taught us that above everything else in our lives our love to God comes first. That means always choosing the right, and putting the needs of others before your own. Just as Jesus showed us.
I feel blessed to have had parents that taught me so well, by precept and example, and I would be a happy man if I were successful in only transferring a small part of that to my own children.
Love you, mom and dad!
Louis