It's not just New Year's Eve...

It's also my father's birthday. My Dad is a man who is impossible to shop for. It's not that he's difficult or unappreciative; he just doesn't want much and doesn't want us to spend our money on him. So this year, one thing I'm giving him is a list. My Mom and I wrote down some of the things we love about him. Happy birthday, Daddy. We love you!

* generous to a fault * always ready to serve * has passionately served his Savior for over six decades * teaches Sloane to play games but never throws them; he trusts her to be a good sport and learn well * always steady in a crisis * visits the hospital, again and again till you go home * faithfully served in the armed forces for over 21 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam * never holds a grudge * forgives readily and actually forgets the wrong * is brilliant and highly educated * makes sure Mom always has milk - and he doesn't drink it * keeps the gas tanks full * is never late, EVER * still wears a tie * is a gentleman and taught my brother to be one, too * always made me feel that I could do anything I was willing to work hard for * taught me to believe in my own boundless possibilities * never, never, ever speaks disparagingly of others * in 40 years I have never heard him do anything but praise and support my mother. That's some kind of husband. * he shows up: kindergarten plays, band concerts, piano recitals, really bad cantatas - he shows up * leads by example * when he winks, one eyebrow shoots half way up his forehead (nobody else in the family can do it) * doesn't find humor in the embarrassment of others * gives great gifts * when I need to borrow his van, he'll return my car full of gas and freshly washed * always brings back a present from his travels for each of us * his first reaction is always one of compassion * his hair has a party every single night * possesses an incredible amount of self-discipline (I think he learned that from Mom.) * always has two or three books going * honestly doesn't enjoy anything more than being with us *

My Dad and Mom gave me a happy childhood. My parents raised me in a Godly home. They taught me how to love. What a debt I owe them both. My Dad taught me how to live passionately. He taught me that it is good to be smart and better to be educated. He showed me what to look for in a husband. I remember telling my Mom that I wouldn't get married until I found a man who would treat me at least as well as Daddy treated her. Mom responded that she would pray I'd find him, but she knew it would have to be God. There just weren't many men like my Dad.

You could rightly say that every happiness I now enjoy in my own little family I owe to my father.

I love you, Daddy. Thank you.