A Tribute To My Father

Happy 60th Birthday, Daddy!!!
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Sunrise, Sunset

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day
They look so natural together
Just like two newlyweds should be
Is there a canopy in store for me?
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

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Daddy, I know that this is a song about a wedding, but it has special meaning for you and I. We danced to this song at my wedding and it really has a nice message. It talks about how the years are full of wonderful memories and to appreciate all the special times that people share together. I wanted to share a few memories I have of things that we did together that have impacted me.

•As a little girl, I would “help” you chop wood outside at our old house. I was little but you let me pick up wood and set it in place for you. I think I really was just outside so Mom could get Little Shelley to rest, but I thought I was really helping. You always paid me a few quarters for helping. I think this was one of my first lessons in working for money. Thank you for money lessons!

•I also have great memories of getting up bright and early to go fishing on Lake Jamie with you. I felt so special doing this. I also remember you teaching me how to throw and catch a baseball. I was a girl, but you never taught me just girl activities. You wanted me to achieve anything my heart desired. Thank you for self-confidence!

•You never let me give up. You made me follow through with the things I started. I remember many nights working on homework or doing a special science project. If you didn’t already know, my mind isn’t exactly mathematical or overly scientific. These subjects were difficult for me to comprehend, but you always made me finish the problem or the project. You always reminded me to “have fun and work carefully.” Thank you perseverance!

•I have great memories of going on family vacations and having extended family dinners. Even though sometimes it’s a little crazy, I really appreciate your dedication to family. I hope I can continue many of the traditions with my own kids and teach them that family is the center of it all. Thank you for family!

•Because of all you have taught me and instilled in me, I found a man to marry who has many of the same characteristics as you do. They say that for little girls, the daddies are the first men that they love. Then they try to find a man like their father to marry. I really believe that this is true. Brian is a hard worker and dedicated to his family and so are you. Thank you for showing me what to look for!

•You were present when both of my children were born. It really is special to see you with my boys. You have become such a wonderful grandfather and I love how my children love you. You do all the things you did with me and the cycle continues. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

With these few memories, you have molded and shaped me into who I am and who I will become. You have imparted great advice on my husband, my children, and myself. You are respected and honored more than you ever will know. I just want you to know that you touch my life in so many ways and I love you with all of my heart.