I'm lucky enough to know Shannon Martin who is the designer and manufacture of a very successful card line sold across the United States. I sent her a copy of Mom's favorite photograph, of Dad leaning over to kiss Danny. She loved the photo and decided it would make a great Father's Day card. Knowing that I was going back to Arkansas, Shannon said she'd send a dozen cards there, just as soon as they were printed. They arrived on August 27, the day before Dad died. He was never able to see the final finished card, (only the emailed copy I took back there with me). I saw Dad smile when I showed it to him, and I think he might have liked the idea of being on a national greeting card. So next June, when all the retailers have their Father's Day cards out...Dad will be there, and I'm sure a lot of this card will be sold. For me it's kind of comforting to think that some kid will be giving this great card to a father that means the same to them as our Dad does to us.
"Strong Back, Gentle Heart, Loving Father" 
The dedication on the back.
The original photograph, which Mom took.
2 comments:
Absolutely timeless. With all due respect, a greeting card is fantastic but couldn't you see this on the cover of Life magazine? Grandpa exemplified the sentiment to a T.
what a "great" picture, its forever in my mind
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