Ode to my Father

As Father's Day quickly approaches I have decided to sit back and reflect on the many reasons I LOVE my dad!  Here it goes...

Dear old dad,

Thank you for the man you are.  You taught me that it is ok to be different, that many people will come and go from my life but you will always stay steady.  You showed me how to swing a club, a bat, and even a fist.  You encouraged me when I was feeling self conscious and you punished me when I was feeling defiant :)  You raised me to be caring, but realistic, strong but sympathetic.  From guitars to golf clubs, you always took the time to teach.  Thank you for giving me the love i needed, the money not to starve, and a good kick in the butt when necessary!

The top 10 reasons you are the BEST!!

10:  You brought me into this world, and never took me out (with the help of mom of course).
9:    You give good advice and always believe in me
8:    You weren't afraid to drive with me when I was learning
7:    You buy me dinner when I'm hungry
6:    You don't tell me how far you walked to school
5:    You come over almost every Friday for our Friday cocktail hour
4:    You learned how to play In My Life on the guitar after we danced to it at my wedding

3:    You learned how to text after we made fun of you
2:    After I made you two paintings you asked for a third :)
1:    But mostly you are the best because you have faith in me even when I fail.

This quote pretty much sums it up:

"A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail..."

Thanks for being my dad.