Thursday, June 16, 2005

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday to you....

Happy Birthday to you....

Happy Birthday dear Daddy....

Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!

Today is my dad's birthday.  I can't get him candy, because he's on a diet.  I got a card, but that's not much.  I can't get him anything he needs, because mom and dad take care of their needs.  I can't go shopping, hoping for that "perfect gift" because dad's a simple man with a simple life, and his wishes aren't those that money can buy.

Dad is the greatest.  He never gave me a spanking that I didn't deserve, and missed a few that I DID deserve.  He took the time to teach me many things that most women don't know.  I can change a tire, change oil, check engine fluids, run a tractor, mow a yard and clean up my "own damn mess". 

Dad took us with him on errands, when it would have been quicker and easier to go alone.  He explained the "why's" of how things worked, instead of just saying that it's so.  He taught us the value of buying the right thing the first time, and taking care of it, so it would last forever.

He showed us how a wife should be treated.  We saw his love for mom and the little concessions that he made for her.  Anyone picturing a certain cabin?  How about a certain horse? Yeah, he talks tough, but he's always a softy for the women in his life.

Dad takes more time with his grandkids than any other Grandpa I've ever known.  He could accomplish so much more without them under foot, but he stops what he's doing to help them hammer a nail JUST RIGHT to make a sign.  My kids are hung up on making signs.  He lets Monica read cookbooks to him.  Yeah, sounds boring, and it is, but she loves it, so he loves it.

I can't imagine life without my dad.  Heck, my husband has adopted him as a dad, since he doesn't have his own.  Kevin is always saying how cool my dad is, and how much he admires him.  Need advice?  It's there.  Don't need advice?  It's nowhere to be found.  Dad is the bomb, and nobody in the world could take his place.

I love you dad.  I love you more than you could ever imagine.  You did a wonderful job raising me and Jim, and I hope to do half as well with my kids.  Don't ever forget how many folks love, respect, and admire you.  You deserve it, hell, you EARNED it.

 

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great entry, I'll make sure he reads it tomorrow.  And every word is true.  Don't forget, he listens to Monica read poetry, too.

Anonymous said...

wonderful tribute to your dad...I had already guessed he was a great man when he built that  cabin for your mom.  You are truely blessed to have them both.  

Anonymous said...

How very very lucky you are!  And how lucky they are to have a daughter who is smart enough to know that she is lucky!
TAKE CARE,
Carlene

Anonymous said...

Here you go again, making me cry again.

Anonymous said...

Found this through your mom's journal. This is very sweet. Your dad sounds AWESOME. It's good to see. :-) ---Robbie

Anonymous said...

I have got to stop reading journals...it seems like I'm crying at one every day...  :-P  That was so completely sweet.  Heck, *I* wanna adopt your Dad, too!  

~Amy

Anonymous said...

Well done Rachel.  I envy you.

Love and admiration,

Joanna

Anonymous said...

Wonderful entry! AND it can double as John Scalzi's Weekend assignment... sorta <LOL>. From both your Mother's and your Journal, I have picked up on the fact that your Dad is a wonderful, one-of-a-kind, person. You are lucky... and even luckier in that you realize it.
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind

Anonymous said...

Came here by way of your mom's journal. A wonderful entry filled with love. paula

Anonymous said...

Lovely tribute to you Dad I found through your Mom's journal. Glad you have such a strong supporter and loving grandfather for your children. God Bless your whole family~Deb