Dad

Day 3
When I met Brandon and then his Dad shortly after meeting him, 12 years ago, I remember thinking my goodness does this son/father duo do anything without the other?! They golfed together, watched sports together, ate together (on those plastic plates with the dividers in them), vacationed together, played cards together... they were and are very close. Both of them deserve credit for always being present in each others lives. Starting with when Brandon was young. I'm not sure you'd ever find a Dad more involved than Chester was when Brandon was young. Coaching baseball, basketball, football, caddy at golf tournaments, numerous trips to ride four wheelers all over Oklahoma.. some of Brandons favorite memories are with his Dad doing things guys do. Not only was Chester involved in every activity Brandon ever did and school functions, he enjoyed it as much as Brandon did. They were always playing ball in the house, making up baseball games over the couch through the living room (breaking a window or two), playing golf outside in the yard hitting the ball from tree to tree, makeing a slip in slide in the half full pool with all Brandons guy friends always over Chesters house. The homemade tacos (that I'll never be able to copy no matter how hard I try, lol), the manwich BOLD sloppy joes, the chili and OU football games, the Atlanta Braves games, all the trips to golf courses for tournaments or just for a weekend of golf with the guys. Chester is a wonderful father to Brandon. Brandon looks up to his Dad in so many ways, he's such a hard worker which is a trait Brandon inherited from his Dad that I could not be more proud of. 
After I read Chesters letter to Brandon, the part about Chester saying he might have been too hard on him stood out to me. I think as parents we are and will always be hard on our kids at times, but simply because we truly know what they are capable of and how much we know they can accomplish. I think whatever Chester did with Brandon, however hard he was or wasn't, was just perfect enough to make Brandon the man he is today, and you just don't get better than Brandon. I thank God for Chester and the Dad he is to Brandon. Brandon nevers remember a day when his Dad wasn't there for him.
And now he is a Pappy to our sweet Kennedy, his first Grandbaby. Kennedy loves her fun loving Pappy so much. We look forward to creating so many more memories with Pappy.


Now for a few words from your Dad

Dear Brandon,
 
Happy Birthday to my firstborn. When you were born your Mom and I were young and learning as we went. You were always a joy as a child. The perfect first child. Always tried your best and worked your butt off at whatever you were doing. Maybe I pushed you too hard at times but I always knew you could do anything if you wanted to. I still believe that to this day. You have grown into a great man, husband and Dad. I could not be more proud of my son. I know that whatever path you take the rest of your life- you will be successful. Thats who you are. Just remember that love you feel for Kennedy, I feel the same way towards you. It never changes. I am so proud of you.
Love you son, Dad