Letters to Todd

Chris, 

Firstly, I want to thank you for welcoming me into your company. I think my time with you all these past few months are some of the most memorable in my life and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that. I’ve seen you lead your family in very practical/tangible ways with planning and direction, but I’ve also seen you lead them well with your generosity, thoughtfulness and though your ability to show your heart. That kind of leadership and vulnerability is something I really admire about you…

Dad, 

Happy "Half of a Hundo" Birthday! It's wild how fast time flies and how people evolve over time. As your little girl, it's been amazing to want you grow as a dad. There is so much to be thankful for about having a dad who is ever-changing. You have been the best dad and friend in fifty years on this earth and I think our Heavenly Dad is already saying "well done."

I've been thinking a lot about our relationship and how it has evolved over me becoming an adult. I'm finding with are similar and…

Hey Pops, 

     Sis came up with this bomb ass idea to write to you for your birthday. I could not agree more as intentional time such as this to encourage and recognize you is important. So where so I begin? 

      I want to start by saying I love you and thank you for loving me first as Christ did. I want to also say I am so thankful and blessed by our friendship. For a while our relationship was on the rocks, but as of late it has become what I think you and I had always envisioned. I love it and I love…

Dear Dad, 

​I know this year has been really difficult for me, and in many ways,  it has been difficult for you as well. I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your willingness to talk, and your love for me and the family. You were there for me after Airborne School and the entire semester when I was struggling with my post-surgery recovery. You were also there when I was having a hard time with my Cadre at ROTC. You gave me perspective and insight into how to deal with it as a son. I also want…

Chris, 
I hate to inform you, but your 40's have EXPIRED! Ha  I have no doubt the next 50 years will be just as adventurous in different ways. In honor of you, its important I express gratitude for you. I appreciate your wisdom, your heart, your guidance and all the many ways you express love. I am beyond grateful Brady has you as his Papi. To know he will be challenged, pursued by you, but most importantly for him to have you (like his father) as a role model in all his future adventures fills my heart…

In 2014, I went on a trip to India.  I didn’t know many people on the trip and it was all the way across the world.  Chris was the leader of that trip and I came to trust in his leadership and heart as we navigated a challenging environment there.  We laughed, had fun, and were blessed by India. 

Since then, Chris has invited me into his family, into his ministry, and into his life...becoming a good friend. 

In my time with Chris both on adventures and around the home...i have been built into, challenged…

Happy birthday, Dad! I love you! You’re the best dad in the world! 

Joe

Hi Dad!!!!! 

I am sooooooooooo happy you are my dad! I won’t have asked for anyone else!  I would have never been the person I am without you and mom. You have always been there for me and I am dearly grateful. I  love you!!! Happy 50th Birthday!!!! 

Love your youngest daughter, 

Isabel Rosa Hartenstein

Hey Dad! 

Happy birthday! 

I just wanted to thank you for everything you do for us and I pray that this next half-century will be extraordinary and that you will find what God has for you with ease. 

Love you 3000, 

Gabbi :)

Happy Birthday, dad! 

50 is a pretty large number to someone who hasn’t been around even half that time, and I can’t imagine what it feels like to approach the Sage Age (didn’t mean to rhyme there). I just wanted to let you know that I love you, and I hope someday I can be like you, not in personality but impact. You have the drive to do what’s right and to listen and follow. You trust in God’s work, acting with him, knowing everything will turn out for the best. You’ve worked with, and influenced, many…

To my Best friend, 

Today you turn 50… how is that possible? I remember the days when we were 16 and 17 and had all kinds of time to talk and dream of what life would be together like it was yesterday. We have grown up together. I have watched as you went from young man to man to husband and father. I have seen you care for others before yourself; sacrificing things you wanted and desired. I have also seen you grow from someone who believes in Christ to a man who loves the Father and his Big Brother with…

Dad, 

The big five-zero. Way to go; you officially made it to level five of Jumanji. This is where it all gets interesting… 

 No, not really. You are continuing to step into the adventures that God has for you, and let's be honest, there are days it feels like a Jumanji film. But, it's amazing how God continues to show up every day, proving himself repeatedly to be who He claims to be. 

One of the things I spoke to Grandpa about in his birthday text was his choice to begin to break the generational bondage…

Happy birthday Chris! 

I have loved getting to be more a part of the family these past few months. You have created something really beautiful, and getting to experience it more and more has been such a gift. You have created a family culture that people want to be a part of and brought up into. Your family builds each other up and is always on each other's team. You have a culture of love and grace and seeking understanding over being right. Generations of Hartensteins are going to reap abundant blessings…

Happy 50th Birthday, Chris! 

I don’t really know where to start when it comes to you and finding the words to write.  You have played several roles in my life and I am grateful for each one: from working side by side with junior high students to working together to advance the Kingdom through Hartco.  I am thankful that God has given me the privilege of standing shoulder to shoulder with you through many years.  I’ve been honored to learn from you as you freely share from your heart the experiences and…

Chris, 

I wanted to share a few thoughts of encouragement and gratitude for you as you celebrate turning the big 5-0. 

You’ve had an important, Godly influence on Ben, and in turn, our family since he began working at Hartco back in 2002.Throughout the years, you have modeled servant leadership, put obedience to God first, generously gave to others, discipled Ben (and many others) on identifying and living as a child of God and so much more. I have witnessed tremendous spiritual growth in Ben through your…