This photograph was taken on Paul’s 40th birthday. It’s a wonderful memory of a surprise that truly was a surprise. After a very long day of photo shooting for a client, the photographer and Paul made it back to the photographer’s studio to be met by a crowd of friends who were waiting to wish him happy birthday. So, this picture was taken 44 years ago. I’m not sure why I’m wearing such a silly expression, but it obviously made the rest of the group laugh. This will be Paul’s second birthday spent in heaven. We miss this wonderful man who made a lasting impression on so many.

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Who knew I would be chosen by you?
Who knew that our lives would blend into one
With separate physical bodies, but tied together for a lifetime?
Who knew you would become a man of integrity, a husband, a dad, grandfather and great grandpa?
You would spend life finding solutions for others through your work.
You found the best in people and let them shine in this world.
You found beauty in God’s creation and made beautiful art to capture it.
You made a great life for me and our family.
You never gave up when life threw lemons at you.
You always looked to God for direction and answers.
Who knew that the young man I fell in love within my youth,
Would grow old with me – share my life – put me first – love me?
Who decided before we even knew each other that you were meant for me?

God knew