Happy 80th, Dad

Today is my dad's 80th birthday. Though I have more recent photographs of him, this is one of my favorites. Taken in 1994 when all the grandchildren were still small, it captures the essence of our family and the love we have for my father.

He is a gentle soul; a man who has a soft spot for children and animals, touching movies and my mother. He's a hard-working man who can still be found in his garden or helping out one of us 'kids' or grandchildren. A man of great integrity and honor, he sees everyone as a friend and simply expects them to do the right thing, just as he does.

My father isn't a demonstrative man. I don't know that I've ever heard him say, "I love you" and every hug he receives is always initiated by another. But his actions leave no question that we are the substance of his life and that he is proud of each one of us.

Dad will never have a lot of money, great fame or win prizes for his contribution to this world. But with 58 years of marriage, 6 children and 12 grandchildren to his credit, he is one of the wealthiest, most blessed and successful men that I know.

Happy Birthday, Daddy.
With love,
from your little girl

(Click here to read a story about My Dad and the Silver Ring)