Father's Day

Dear Dad,

I was so lucky to grow up with two amazing parents who loved us and each other. The kind who are always there, support you-even your dumb ideas, and pick you up and brush you off whenever you fall down.  But you, dad,  have always been on a pedestal.  You taught me to snow ski, water ski, and bike ride; built tree forts, snow forts, and box forts. We did doughnuts, ate ice cream, and kept secrets (or so I thought) from mom. As I have gotten older, you and mom have gotten smarter, cooler, and wiser-which is not at ALL the same as smarter.

I have learned much from watching you; most good! I learned how a mom and wife should be treated, how people should be treated, how dogs should be treated. I learned how to take care of a garage, car, and a boat!  I learned to joke and take a joke. Laugh and laugh at myself. Respect the military and love my country.

While I have grown up, moved away, and started my own family, keeping close to you, mom, and Bud are a huge priority. I can think of no greater compliment when someone tells me I'm like you or mom.  As I suppose is inevitable, your pedestal resumed normal size-but I love you even more for being human. It is much easier to look up to and respect you for your imperfections, knowing you see mine and look past them, too.

So, on this Father's Day, I wanted to say thank you. For being a great dad, husband, and friend. Love you...