For Dad

I've been searching and searching for pictures of my Dad. I am panicking now. There are very few. Those I do have, he is either a) holding a baby b) holding a grandchild c)playing with a grandchild or d) with someone else. There aren't any of him, just him, my Dad, by himself.

It's his birthday today. How do you sum up the person who molded, guided, loved and protected you your entire life?

How do you thank him for being there? For still being here. For not giving up and living each moment to it's fullest.

There are some things that are just too fresh to write about, and he and I and most of the people we know will know what I mean. But know this, there is and never will be a stronger or better man than he.

When I was a little girl, my Dad was invincible. Well, excluding the time I was sent out into the back yard to "look for a finger" (by my Mom) after he'd cut himself on the lawnmower blade. Other than that, I can't really ever think of a time when I didn't think he couldn't conquer the world. And even though we all know how he gets at the sight of blood (remember when I got bit by the dog the day you came to move some of my things from my college dorm?), he was, and still is, Superman to me.

Because my early childhood memories are sketchy, watching my Dad with my own children has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever been given. His kindness, patience, dedication and love for them goes beyond the regular "grandparental" call of duty. He is their advocate, their teacher, their rock. He takes them to practice when I am going more directions than I can handle if Brett is away. He comes over in the middle of the night if we need to pay a visit to the ER. He gives them advice when they struggle. He gives them praise when they succeed.

Perfect.

That's my Dad.

And I wish him a thousand more birthday's like this one.

Oh, and Dad, from now on, since your offspring has her own fancy camera now and isn't afraid to use it, there will be MANY more pictures of you (you may have your own camera in your hand, but I don't care) by yourself.







Happy Birthday Dad, you know how much I love you. Make a wish!