Happy Birthday Dad!

We've all heard the saying...

"anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a dad"

Then I'm the winner here...

because my dad is special...

a very special dad.

And today is his birthday.  

81 years...

81 years that he has graced the earth,

and the lives of everyone who are blessed enough to know him.

He is one of those people who listens more than he talks...

really listens.

And people have always loved that about him.

Because most of us can't wait to have our say...

but not my dad...

and do you know what that does?

It makes you really pay attention when he quietly speaks...

because he has listened and has something to say...

something worth listening to.

He spent his birthday golfing, going to dinner with my mom and

going for a bike ride.

He plays shuffleboard...

and he's really good! (4th place this week in his tournament)

 He's a handyman...

can fix anything.

He can repair and even make golf clubs...

 He should have been an inventor with all of the things he has created.

He has a green thumb that would put most people to shame...

and was "green" before anyone knew what it was...

collecting his own rainwater to water his flowers, fertilizing with coffee grounds...

 He can put together ANY puzzle...

more than I can say! 

He woke early to work and provide for us...

I feel like he was up by 3 or 4 a.m but I'm not sure.

Then he came home to drive this ungrateful girl to piano lessons.

He even took us camping every year.

And did I mention what a wonderful Grandpa he is? 

It’s not the norm anymore
to have a dad who’s there,

REALLY there.

But I had that.

My dad was the provider for his family,

came home every night,

and his predictability

gave us a sense of stability and security.

I could always depend on him
to be responsible, trustworthy,
and a great role model.

I learned a lot of good things
from watching him.

Like how to listen...and then speak.

(when I remember to do it this way) 

to raise my children in a loving home,

to know God.

My dad is one of those dads other people wish they had...but he's mine:)

Happy Birthday Dad...

I love you!