My DaD.

My favorite memory of you is at Uncle Deano's house. It was a perfect night, and everyone was gathered in the backyard for grandma and grandpa's 50th anniversary. You and I were dancing. Mom curled my hair that day like I was from the 50s and my long skirt would fan out when I spun in circles. I remember thinking, "How cool is it that my dad would swing dance with me when he could be sitting and socializing instead?"

You taught me how to work hard. I would look up to your example and how passionate you were about your career and your projects. You taught me how good it feels when you look back on something you put your whole heart into and were able to accomplish, how to not give up on something even when it's tough, or how to approach things in a different way and create something one-of-a-kind and new.

You taught me how to become an adult. How people think and feel, and to always be aware of their circumstances and to show them you care.

I adore how brave you are. How you stop and RUN to help people in need, and how you would sacrifice so much of your happiness for the people around you. You taught me how to love and to serve others no matter what.

You taught me how to be funny and how important it is to always have humor in your life. Because of you I promised myself I needed to marry someone who could always make me laugh. You are the reason I made the best decision of my life and married Mitch.

When I take pieces of you and pieces of mom and put them together, it's so clear that I belong to both of you. You make me complete and have shaped me into the person I am today. I pray that someday I'll be able to have the positive impact on my kids the way you did for me. I know I was a challenge and a pro at testing your patience, but I do hope I didn't drive you TOO crazy growing up. Thank you for keeping me :)

Happy birthday, dad! Today, and everyday, but especially today, I am so grateful for you.