Day 10: A Tribute to Papa, our Volunteer Extraordinairre!!

Today is a difficult day. 

It marks the first year anniversary of the loss of our Papa, a man who truly understood the meaning of  volunteering and supporting. 

So to honor his

remarkable legacy, we (Paul, Sophia and myself) planned a trip to the Science Museum, a place that is affectionately, if not approriately, referred to as "Papa's Museum" in our family.  Perhaps there is no other place where his positive presence was felt so strongly, by so many people, for so many years.  http://www.mos.org/

We started the day by making a small donation to the Volunteer Fund in Papa's name, and then arranged tickets to see the Omni Theatre presentation of "Australia."  Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to spend all day at the museum, hence we did not get general admission passes, but we did want to go see Papa's placque while in the museum.  So I managed to privately choke out a very brief version of our true story to a nearby employee who was happy to offer us free entry to visit the wall of distinction. No matter how many times we see that placque, we still find it a truly incredible and moving experience.   Perhaps more now than ever.  Papa forever remains a role model for giving of oneself and ones talents.

 We reminisced about all the fun we've share at the museum over the years, and Sophia especially remembers riding the "exercise bike with the skeleton" that is in the Human Body Space where Papa primarily volunteered. She, and the twins, loved this part of the Museum.  Sophia loved helping Papa push the buttons that lit up to identify the organs of the body and of course, going upstairs with Papa to watch the chicks hatching. 

The Australia Show in the Omni Theatre was breathtaking.  We may have temporarily traveled to the opporsite side of the planet,...but many parts felt like we were in Florida with Papa....like watching egrets and crocodiles and thinking of what Sophia calls "Papa's Alligator Walk".  And we had a good chuckle when the Emu crossed the lands and we couldn't help but giggle thinking of them pecking soley and methodically at Papa through the car window on the Lion Country Safari ! 

Isn't it wonderful that everything/anything Papa continues to bring a smile to our face?