Thursday, May 03, 2007

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!

14 comments:

LindaJ said...

Happy Birthday Gpa Del...we all love you over here.

OXOX,
Linda Brandon Braydon, Lila, Ellie

Lisa said...

Happy Birthday Carrie's Dad!

Hope it turns out to be a wonderful year for you.

Awesome post, lady!

Grim Reality Girl said...

Happy Birthday Carrie's Dad!!!!

Girlplustwo said...

oh. that was lovely. lovely.

happiest to all of you.

Mel said...

Happy birthday to your dad!

Pendullum said...

Happy Happy Birthday Carrie's dad...
You helped create a pretty nifty lady...
and you are indeed Superman, without the cape!

Christina_the_wench said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christina_the_wench said...

Happy Birthday Carrie's Dad! I got one like you too in Ohio. *grins*

Sandra said...

Wow that brought a tear to my eye. What a great man.

Happy birthday Carrie's Dad!!!!!!!!

mom said...

CJB, it is a good thing I didn't see this yesterday. Never would have had things ready for his celebration. Would have been teary for hours.

Special, special, special. That is what you both are. Before you were even born, he was so worried about how he would be as a father...not me!

And I am so glad that
1) you chose your Brett for those very same qualities, and
2) your brother is equally strong.

lv, mom

yerdoingitwrong said...

OH! Such a sweet post, darlin. Happy Bday to your dad. He sounds like a wonderful man!!

Mamacita Tina said...

Belated Happy Birthday to your dad!

Find a finger...ugh. Poor guy.

It is absolutely fun to watch your own father around your kids, isn't it?!

Tabba said...

What a sweet ode to your Dad. Happy Birthday to him. And those pictures of him....I know they're not what you want, but his face says so much.

Becky at lifeoutoffocus said...

that is super sweet.