We pulled it off.

Grandpa’s party was a huge success.

We even pulled off the surprise… by the skin of our teeth.

There were many tears and lots of laughter, too. But the main accomplishment was… he felt special. As he should.

I’ll share just a few pictures from the day. This first one is my favorite–Grandpa, at age 90, holding a picture of himself at age 23.

One of the display tables, complete with facts and lots of photographs from Grandpa’s life.

Another table honored his military service.

We asked that people bring cards in lieu of gifts. I strung up a little “clothes line” where they could hang the cards, and by the end of the party, the line was hanging full. Later that evening, Grandpa sat down at home and opened and read all them. He’s been talking about it ever since.

This is Grandpa with one of his great great grandchildren, Cru. Oh my, how precious is that?

I had this sweet picture displayed in a frame. Baby Earl, circa 1921.

Matt preached at Grandpa’s church on Sunday morning and talked about how Grandpa has lived through a depression. A world war. 17 presidents. Many recessions. The loss of a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, and a wife of 64 years. And through it all, God has been faithful. In every circumstance, in every situation.

I realize to some, the notion that God has been faithful to a man who seemingly has lost so much is preposterous. I get that.

I only wish I could describe the crazy, insane, indescribable hope that fills the hearts of those who know and love the Lord. That hope is the only thing that sustained my Grandpa through the loss of Grandma. It is the only thing that gets him through the long, lonely days and nights. It is the only thing that comforts him when everything around him is silent and still.

God has been faithful to that man.

And to me, as well. The day Grandpa and Grandma decided they would take on the task of raising a baby girl in their middle age was a miraculous day for me.

So, while I’m thrilled he enjoyed his party, nothing I can do could ever be enough to show my gratitude. What a gift they gave to me.

For those of you who might not know, Jeb is named after Grandpa. James Earl Burris. We used his initials.

I only hope my son will grow to be a man of honor and truth and loyalty and faith…

… just like his great grandfather.