82 years ago ...

On the 18th of March, a most amazing man was born. He goes by many names -- Junior (when he was a kid), Joe, Dr. Clauson, Dr. Joe, Joseph Emmanuel Clauson, ... Pops, Dadzy, ... Gramps, Grandpa, ... you get the picture. He is dear to soooooooo many people.

(For more photos, check my blog archives -- April 2008. His big 8-0 party!)

There have been quite a few times that he has almost left this earthly home -- a serious lung infection way back in 1981 that had him in Intensive Care for a time; in the past decade -- two cancers. Only God knows allllllllll of the times that were "near-hits!" I'm remembering a blizzard when we lived on O'Malley Road in Anchorage, Alaska ... tree on the power line and Dad climbing a long ladder in order to cut down the treetop with his chain saw. My memory is that the only way to get the tree to fall off the line was for Dad to jump when the whole thing, ladder and all, started to fall. God continues to graciously allow him to stay here on earth for the sake of so many of us. We are all quite selfish about this. And quite grateful.

So, Happy Bday, Popsicle! What an amazing man of God you are -- full of wisdom, patience, grace, gratitude, humor (okay, I'm not too thankful for the puns! ;-) !!!), diligence, stability, compassion, ... it goes on and on! I don't think there's a mean bone in you. Well, maybe when it comes to issues relating to the 49ers!!!

We love you. Here's a huge hug all the way from Indonesia!