Wednesday, September 08, 2004
I HAVE THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD...
...AND TODAY HE TURNED 60. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!
My Dad is the most amazing man I know. For most of his life he's been a completely devoted husband and father to an incredibly blessed family. I'm his oldest, and most would say the most outspoken. As many times as I've said "I love you," I know I won't ever think it's enough to express my appreciation for all he's done for me in my life.
In many ways Dad and I are as opposite as night and day. His habits are immaculate; I've never been in a room I couldn't mess up in five minutes or less. He values peace and quiet; I thrive in chaos and discord. He's friendly but reserved; I start conversations with complete strangers. His demeanor is calm and even; I can make a cup of coffee jittery.
But we have so much more in common. From the time I was born he shared and nurtured my love for music and politics. Countless hours have been spent together listening to Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and ABBA; countless dinners of steaks and chicken from his grill have been devoured while debating the political and social issues of the day. We love the same foods - our mutual favorites being a good steak with a glass of red wine or good ol' Texas barbecue with a cold beer, preferably a Guinness. We share a touch of wanderlust, and still enjoy traveling together to places near and far. I appreciate our mutual love of baseball every time I attend a game, and call him from each new stadium I visit. And in case you were wondering where I got it, we also share a biting sense of humor and an appreciation for the absurd.
My Dad taught me all the important things in life. He taught me to ride a bike, rollerskate, play chess and baseball. He taught me how to drive a car; and before he allowed me to drive on my own, he also taught me how to change a tire, pump my own gas, and check the oil and fluids.
But so much of what my Dad taught me isn't about skills or tasks. Far more importantly, he taught me how to live my life. By word and example, he taught me that my opinions are valued and appreciated; that discrimination in any form is wrong; that any task is not done until it's done right; that omission of the truth is the same as a lie; that I should always make up my own mind and not be afraid to express it. He taught me how to disagree with others without being disagreeable. And most of all, he's taught me by his own example that unconditional love is real and my family is the most important thing in my life.
I love you, Dad. I hope your 60th birthday was a blessed one, and that you will be a part of our lives for at least 60 more...
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My Dad is the most amazing man I know. For most of his life he's been a completely devoted husband and father to an incredibly blessed family. I'm his oldest, and most would say the most outspoken. As many times as I've said "I love you," I know I won't ever think it's enough to express my appreciation for all he's done for me in my life.
In many ways Dad and I are as opposite as night and day. His habits are immaculate; I've never been in a room I couldn't mess up in five minutes or less. He values peace and quiet; I thrive in chaos and discord. He's friendly but reserved; I start conversations with complete strangers. His demeanor is calm and even; I can make a cup of coffee jittery.
But we have so much more in common. From the time I was born he shared and nurtured my love for music and politics. Countless hours have been spent together listening to Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and ABBA; countless dinners of steaks and chicken from his grill have been devoured while debating the political and social issues of the day. We love the same foods - our mutual favorites being a good steak with a glass of red wine or good ol' Texas barbecue with a cold beer, preferably a Guinness. We share a touch of wanderlust, and still enjoy traveling together to places near and far. I appreciate our mutual love of baseball every time I attend a game, and call him from each new stadium I visit. And in case you were wondering where I got it, we also share a biting sense of humor and an appreciation for the absurd.
My Dad taught me all the important things in life. He taught me to ride a bike, rollerskate, play chess and baseball. He taught me how to drive a car; and before he allowed me to drive on my own, he also taught me how to change a tire, pump my own gas, and check the oil and fluids.
But so much of what my Dad taught me isn't about skills or tasks. Far more importantly, he taught me how to live my life. By word and example, he taught me that my opinions are valued and appreciated; that discrimination in any form is wrong; that any task is not done until it's done right; that omission of the truth is the same as a lie; that I should always make up my own mind and not be afraid to express it. He taught me how to disagree with others without being disagreeable. And most of all, he's taught me by his own example that unconditional love is real and my family is the most important thing in my life.
I love you, Dad. I hope your 60th birthday was a blessed one, and that you will be a part of our lives for at least 60 more...
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