Favorite Things

It's hard to shop for my father-in-law. He's one of those men who has everything he needs, and if there's anything he doesn't have, he's perfectly capable of getting it for himself.

I was musing out loud about what we could get him for Christmas, when my daughter had a good, practical idea. She suggested that we email him and ask him to tell us his favorite things - his favorite color, his favorite animal, his favorite food, whatever. She figured that would help us figure out what he would like for Christmas.

The answer that he sent us did not make the shopping any easier, but it was a wonderful answer, which seriously transcended the question. It was thoughtful, kind, and wise, and so lovely that I'm sharing it here:

Well my favorite color is blue and in a house where everything is red and black.

I haven't had a pet for years, but as a child I had a German Shepard as a pet. My father got him when I was two years old and he was by my side constantly until we moved into town when I was twelve years old. He died when I was thirteen and I still remember how the tears streamed down my face as I had to dispose of his body just as they are as I'm telling you this. His name was Ranger and I still use that name as my favorite pet.

I like almost all foods but my favorite is still homemade soup, almost all of them. I love reading and I am so far behind in my books, I'm ashamed. I love sports and I still try to play tennis as time and the health of the folks I play with permit.

I love the United States of America and have the greatest admiration for the Founding Fathers whose wisdom came up with a Constitution that is still working 235 years later. I love the people from every Nation in this world who have chosen this country as theirs. And I also give thanks to those many who have died defending our liberties.

This may be more than you wanted to hear from me but I also like granddaughters who like to coach their mother on how to dress.

Well I will go now and see if I can find something to eat. I'm pleased with your curiosity and we can continue this next week when you visit.

I love you all,
Joe