[March 26, 1946; Frankfurt, Germany] Happy Birthday

 Happy (late) Birthday, Dad. I drove by and wished you happy birthday. Also, Happy Anniversary. You and Mom would have been Married 77 years. Long time. 

I was reading your letter - the one that you talked about getting to come home in three or four months. I can sense the excitement in your voice. I also didn't know that Uncle Johnny was getting a deferment, or that the draft was in place, maybe? I don't know. 

Finally, you spoke more about the popcorn. Stephanie asked if you were reselling it. I told her I didn't think so, but didn't know. It would seem that your girlfriend and all your friends liked popcorn. I wish there was a name for her. I would have loved to look her up, to talk to her, to know her, and to know how her life turned out after you left France. I remember the picture you had of her. When Mom realized that us kids found all of your things from when you were in the Army, she explained who the lady was, but I think afterwards, she threw her picture away. :)

Once again, you were in the process of setting up another bar and buying supplies. Your youngest son took all of your Little Lapps Liquor Lounge mugs and wouldn't give me one of them. You would be disappointed in him, Dad. He has become someone who is everything you fought hard not to be. For many years after you left us, people would tell me how much they respected you, liked you, and missed you. One man, when I walked into his furniture store and he looked at my face and especially my eyes, he stepped back and announced that I must be Leonard Lapp's daughter for there could be no other in the world with eyes like his. He then went on to sing your praises about how you gave him a start and helped him out by giving him a job on the farm so very many years ago. I am so proud people remember you that way. 

My neighbor, Bo, wants to give me a cedar chest. Not just any cedar chest - it is identical to the one you and mom had all your married lives. Mom left it to Kathy. I was hoping she would give it to Marilyn because she is the oldest and that deserved something, but she didn't. Marilyn was hurt, as was I. I would have liked to have it, too. I was talking to my friend/neighbor, Bo, and she told me that the cedar chest in her living room was given to her by a lady who no longer wants it. I was very surprised to hear that and told Bo about Mom's cedar chest. So, Bo told me I could have it if her niece doesn't come and get it. I'm not sure I want it because I'm downsizing and wanting to get a ranch style house to get away from the stairs. But maybe Marilyn...   ... except we haven't spoken since Mom died, 14 years ago. 

In any case, I miss you terribly, still. I always will, Dad. You are the best.