Happy Birthday Grandpa

My Father-In-Law...Roger "Santa Claus" Manwell. One day, just a few weeks after my first back surgery, on a Friday (short day at school), I had just dropped off Colton at pre-school. Colton's pre-school is about sixteen blocks east of the kids elementary school. I dropped him off about fifty minutes before the other kids got out of school. I walked out to the truck...put the key, turned it...and nothing. The truck was dead and there was no starting it. I would have to WALK, in flip flops, to get my boys and then hurry back to get Colton before he got out of pre-school, then walk the twelve or so blocks back home. I was worried. My concern was not my back..it was getting my boys before they panicked about mommy not being there. What was the first thing I thought of? Text Dad! I did...over and over with no response. I was walking as fast as my feet would go. It was hot and my back hurt. At some point I took off my flip flops, thinking that would help. I was almost to Maceys (about the half way point) when Dad and Mom pulled up into the parking lot right in front of me, Sprite Zero in hand, to save the day. They didn't say a word. Closed the van door, drove on to pick up the boys, and then back to the pre-school. Dad worked on the truck, then took a part to the car parts shop. He came back with another part, worked on it a little and got the truck to start. Colton had already come out of school...thinking it was so cool that Grandpa and Grandma were there to get him...he had NO idea! Grandpa quietly helped load the boys back in the truck, told me to meet him at Holiday Gas Station...I pulled in, he got out and filled my truck up, took the boys inside to get a treat, and sent me on my way home. This is my Father-in-law. He will drop everything to help his family. He is a fantastic Grandpa. He loves his boys and his girls and he lives for them. He is kind and loyal and so giving. I have never known someone like he and my mother-in-law...willing to drop what they are doing to help their kids. Dad, you teach me everyday. You comfort me on hard days. You take good care of Mom, and she of you...and that, really, is the greatest lesson you have taught your children. Thank You for taking care of your family. I love you so much. Happy Birthday Grandpa! Love, Heidi