6.08.2011

The Greatest

image
Today is my Dads birthday and just in case you're wondering, he is the greatest. Since it's his birthday and Fathers Day is coming up I think a little bragging about him is in order.

I always get a little emotional when I talk about my Dad. Lame? Maybe, but it's because I love him so much. He is without a doubt the most compassionate, generous, and kindhearted man I've ever known. He is always helping someone else whether it's working on someones car late into the night or shoveling the sidewalk not just for our house but for the entire block. He is an example of the kind of person I can only hope to be. I've never told him this but he is one of the reasons that I decided to become a nurse. All my life I've seen how happy he's made people by helping wherever he can and by showing them friendship. One of the reasons I love nursing is because I get to do that every day. I get to take care of people whenever they need me like my Dad does, just in a different way

Dad has always been my number one fan. I can probably count on one hand the number of softball games, dance concerts, choir concerts, church talks and piano recitals he's ever missed in 21 years. I now realize how busy he is and I see how important supporting me has always been to him. It means the world to me to know that no matter what I've got him on my team. I've got my Dad behind me cheering me on no matter what.

I have the greatest memories with my dad. I remember him teaching me how to play softball and taking me down to Battlecreek Park on Sundays to practice. I remember his taking us camping and teaching us about nature and the animals. I remember him taking me out on the boat and teaching me how to fish. Now that I'm starting to write my memories down I realize that a lot of them have to do with him teaching me. It's because he really has taught me so much. Thing is though it's not necessarily the 'things' he's taught me that mean so much. it's the lessons and values he has taught me through all the fun we've had. I've learned how to trust, how to communicate, how to make people smile, how to show someone I care, how to live the gospel, how to be a team, how to work hard, how to carry myself, how important it is to keep my head up ... I could go on and on but I think I've made my point.

I could ramble on and on about this guy but I guess I'll wind it down. For this birthday and Fathers Day I think there is one thing I'd like for him to know. I want him to know how grateful I am that he's not just my Dad, but a best friend. I text him with my news of the day and call him whenever just to chat. (okay one more story) Yesterday Nick, my dad, and I sat in my Dad's truck together eating snowies and talking for almost 2 hours. It might seem small but that is one of my new favorite memories with my Dad just because it really made me realize how close I've gotten to him. I respect him like he's still my Dad but spend time and interact with him like he is my best friend.

Pops-icle, I love you more than I can even say. I hope I make you feel as appreciated as you are because you deserve so much credit for everything you do to help me. Thanks for being such a support and a rock for me. I couldn't have asked for a better example, dad, or friend. Happy Birthday old man :)