Happy birthday to Dad! It blows me away that right now I'm 15 years older than the man pictured here. Just seeing random items in this photo--that slightly scratchy plaid blanket, the curvy legs on that end table, the beloved canister of Tinkertoys, and that carpet that always reminded me of macaroni and cheese--takes me back to being a little girl in that little house. As you can see, I love my dad, from whom I inherited long gorilla arms, a head of black hair, some pretty badass eyebrows, my patience, and my sense of humor.
Dad began working when he was a little boy, putting in years of hard labor on his parents' farm, and he didn't stop until last June, when he finally retired after a long career of teaching, coaching, principal-ing, and regional superintendent-ing. He is very happy now, and he deserves it. (Look at him up there--a damned movie star.)
When I was a senior in high school, I was interviewed by a panel of eleven people in charge of awarding the top scholarship at the university I planned to attend. I sat on one side of a long table, and they sat on the other, firing off questions to the small town girl in the $29 black suit. "Who is your hero?" one of them asked, and without hesitation I said, "My dad." As I listed his many admirable qualities (He's the most selfless person I know, he's a jack of all trades, he's hilarious, he gave me my work ethic, he's the best teacher I've ever seen) I watched their faces light up. I'm pretty sure that was the question that sealed the deal. Thanks, Dad.
What a great testimonial to your dad. I am sure it's one of his treasures this b'day!
Posted by: bj | December 11, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Oh my your dad is adorable!! What a cool cat!
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 12, 2009 at 05:01 PM
i feel the same way. My mom died when i was almost 9 and my dad took over and would fix my hair for shool and he did everything my mom did for me and my sister and baby brother. One mothers day a few years ago i gave him a mothers day card. i know it sounds weird but he is amazing. He has been a hard worker as well. He still is working hard on the fishing boat. i dont think he will stop. he loves it too much. i love my dad so much. They say i look like him and i act like him. that the best compliment ive gotten.
Posted by: pamela | December 21, 2009 at 06:55 PM