Happy Birthday, Little Daddy!!

Today is my dad's birthday. He is 67. He was born at home in the wee hours of that June 12th, and I have always been told that my grandmother got up the next morning and cooked breakfast for the doctor. 1) what? I don't think so; she was a much better woman than I will ever be. 2) what a lousy doctor. I would tell my patient to get back in bed! But back to my sweet dad...what can I say to explain how fantastic he really is? He has been one of the most influential people in my life, and I have to credit him for playing a major role in the formation of my faith. Even though his Sunday school class was excrutiatingly boring, he has been such an example of faith, grace, and love for me. I've always wondered why God chose to give me such an amazing family and a earthly father that so closely modeled Him. Now before you go and canonize my father, I must tell you...he ain't no saint. well, he will tell you that. He is famous for his colorful jokes, and he will tell you that he lived the 60's. He was one of those crazy people at Woodstock! can you believe that. You'll have to ask him to tell you more stories. I would hate to incriminate him via the internet or tarnish my reputation via association.

Daddy traveled most of my childhood. He would leave on Monday mornings and come home on Friday afternoons, and I was always sooo excited to see him! Even though he was gone, I knew that he loved me more than anything in the world. And the older I get the more I realize how much he sacrificed for me and our family. I really could never ask for a more wonderful dad. He is always there when I need him. He is usually the first person I call when I am mad or especially when I am upset. He just listens so well. And he truly is one of my favorite people in the world to be around. I just really enjoy his company. He is just so dang funny, cool and cute! I tell you what isn't cute, though...we are about the same size, hence the nickname "Little Daddy" given to him by my sister not me. Growing up, most of my friends' dads were 6' plus, so you can imagine my humiliation when my dad accidentally wore my jeans one day. yeah, what can you do?

One sweet story I have to tell about my dad is that he wrote me a letter every single day that I was at Kanakuk! Both summers I worked there I got a letter every day from my dad. What dedication! He even started his own newspaper for me called the Memphis Flash. He would report all the news that was going on in the world since I was cut off from civilization. He emails my sister and me everyday, and I am so thankful for the relationship that we have.

I could go on forever, but I better get back to work. This post really doesn't do you justice, Daddy, but I hope you know how much I love you. Thank you for being such an amazing dad and giving me a wonderful example of what a father and a husband should be. You are so gifted at so many things, but I will have to say, you are the best at being my dad. Happiest Birthday to YOU! You deserve it, Daddy. I just wish that every little girl could have a dad like you!