Thank you for recognizing the contributions that my Dad has made to our community. He is a visionary, who sees not the future, but the future as it should be.
His natural stubbornness comes in handy. For example, he has worked on developing a comprehensive health care program for Wisconsin and has put hours, days, years and even decades into this idea, even though it remains just that, an idea.
His propensity to be a couch potato is a godsend. Many, many letters, proposals, articles, etc. have been hatched and have eventually taken flight because Paul likes to sit around with his feet up.
If it weren't for his love of chocolate, we'd all be in big trouble. As you know, chocolate is a health food that nourishes body and soul. His body is doing pretty well, thankfully, and his soul ... his soul is the reason we are here tonight.
Paul gives without expecting to receive. He volunteers for causes he believes in because he believes in them. He doesn't care about accolades; in fact, recognitions are an annoyance to him. (With the exception of this one, of course.)
And on a personal note, he is a man who puts love into action. He taught me to climb stairs before I could walk. Right hand, left foot, left hand, right foot. He taught me to ride a bike by running along beside me to catch me if I might lose my balance. He taught me to play chess, which developed my logical mind. He made up stories, sang gentle songs, and played the guitar. He taught me to ice skate even though he couldn't skate himself. He held my hands as I wobbled, standing firm in his rubber boots.
Let's all put on our sturdy boots and stand up for what we see is right. Let's all put one foot in front of the other, grab the chocolate, get off the couch, and stubbornly create with Paul the future as it should be. |
