Today is my father’s 65th Birthday. Sixty-five. 65. The big 6-5. A senior citizen. Whoa, hold up, how is this even possible? I’m sure he’s asking himself the same question as he pops his vitamins and gets ready to go to bed at 9 sharp.
Happy Birthday Dad. This post is for you.
I see you with a child’s eyes.
I see the man who tied my shoes.
I see the man who somehow made spaghetti night and pancake night the best nights for dinner when mom was away.
I see the man who played records and made mix tapes that have become the soundtrack to my memories.
I see the man who played piano every chance he got and it made my heart happy and proud-and it still does. “That’s my dad! That guy there playing a song with feeling and without music in front of him. That’s MY dad”.
I see the man who wrote songs and poetry.
I see the man who was better with a pen than a hammer. And we never let him forget it.
I see the man who came to my grade 8 graduation and beamed with amazement when I won three awards.
I see the man who called me when he found me the perfect first car.
I see the man who told me he was disappointed in me and it broke my heart. Somehow your disappointment was worse than moms.
I see the man that told me his biggest mistakes and I then knew you were real and imperfect.
I see the man that gets excited to talk to me about music and movies and memories.
I see the man who taught me to play cribbage, and to drive, and to embrace the things I love.
I see the man that has taught me life lessons like “If you’re going to buy something, make sure it’s what you want and you won’t regret it”. I think we may have needed mom to teach us both about being frugal at the same time.
I see my dad, the person I most want to be proud of me.
I love you for the man you have been in my life. I love you for being the best dad you could be. I love you for the life you provided for our family. I love you for how you love mom. I love you for how you love those around you.
YOU make me proud. Keep up the good work ol’ man.
KidMitts 