The number 100 is not often seen on birthday cakes but this past week we were so very blessed to celebrate our patriarch of the family, my husband’s father, Cornelius Hauck.

Surrounded by loved ones and friends from near and far, Grandpa turned 100 years old on May 5th. My sister-in-law Amy organized a gala event and it was a joy for him to see so many at the party there to celebrate this momentous achievement.

Imagine the extraordinary changes he has seen over the past 100 years.  He served in the Army during WWII, was married for 70 years, raised three beautiful children, and co-founded the Colorado Railroad Museum, amongst many other accomplishments.

We treasure his kindness and intelligence, and thoughtful, guiding presence in our lives. He has been an inspiration to us all; to my husband and his siblings and cousins for their entire lives, to me when I married my husband, to our children Liv and Alex, and now to our granddaughter, his great-granddaughter, Charlotte. He is as vital as ever and we enjoy immensely his funny stories and great wit.

Happy Birthday Grandpa. We are looking forward to next year’s 101 celebration.