Cletus the Giant

When I was a Little Bee myself, I went to see the "Princess Bride" with my family at the movie theater. I always sat in my father's lap and Margaret sat in my mom's. I can remember sitting in my dad's lap and watching Andre the Giant playing "Fezzik". When we left the theater, I was just sure that people would think that my father was Andre the Giant and that they would ask for his autograph. I am not sure that I didn't convince myself it had really been my father in the movie all along. I have always thought of my father as larger than life. Not just because he is tall but things are just kind of more when he is around. Parties are more fun, jokes are funnier, and the deal you are negotiating will always be better if my father is on your side. He's the one I turn to when I need to know anything or fix something. Although, Lloyd is very good at these things too! My father was an Eagle Scout and I feel like my sister and I should be Eagle Scouts by proxy. He raised us with many of the Eagle Scout ways like being a good steward to those less fortunate and leaving a camp site better than you found it. I also admire the way that my father continues to grow as a person. I am a strong believer that you should always be working on improving yourself. Maybe I learned this from watching my dad through the years. Now my father has become a grandfather. I know Ellen will love her grandfather and will enjoy all the things I used to love doing with my father, like crazy driving, fishing, cooking, and traveling. I love you, dad. Happy Birthday, from your first Bee.