Friday, December 31, 2010

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.

33 comments:

ELK said...

such a lovely tribute to a very important man... what a special day for a birthday ..happy 2011 friend

paperbird said...

thank you so much for the very kind words you left my way at my blog, i appreciate them so much and i LOVE your prudent advice to your daughter!

wishing you the very best for the new year.

Peace Thyme said...

How beautiful, Reyln. I am sure that no present could please your father more than these sentiments from you.

May you and Slone have a wonderful, healthy New Year.

Debby said...

I think your father will think that this is the best present ever. You have such a way with words.
Today is our Mabel's 2nd birthday.
Happy
New Year.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
bigBANG studio said...

What an amazing man. Happy birthday to your pops, and happy New Year to you, dearest Relyn! Thank you for stopping by- your sweet note made my night. Much love to you and your family! xo

KTW said...

What a beautiful post! :) You are very blessed to still have your father with you. Treasure every moment. :)
Many blessings on you and all you love in the coming year. :)

WhiteStone said...

What a sweet tribute. And sweet photo as well.

As a child we had a favorite uncle who could raise one eyebrow. Naturally we stood in front of the mirror and practiced until we could do the same. lol

Happy New Year to you and all your family.

Scrappy Grams said...

I am sure your dad will treasure this gift more than any that would be bought in a shop. I wish you good health, warm memories and abundant love in 2011.

Unknown said...

A beautiful tribute to your dad! It's so wonderful to read lists like this--someone so thankful for the basic good things about a person.

Jill Riter said...

beautiful tribute and legacy. I am so happy for you and the love you have shared, the love you have found and the joy your father brought to you and your life! blessings and happy new year. thank you for the sweet and safe haven you provide here on your blog. <3

Char said...

a beautiful beautiful tribute

Jill Riter said...

PS Happy Birthday to your dad! And wishes for many happy returns of the day.

Delena said...

Your blog always makes me smile and ponder of all things outside the box. I am happy to have come upon your blog at least two years ago!

Jeanne said...

God bless your darling Father and you.
He sounds so much like my wonderful husband he never wants or asks for a thing.
Love you
Happy New Year
Rabbit Rabbit in the year of the rabbit
Love Jeanne

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(⁀‵⁀,) ✫✫✫
.`⋎´✫✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.✫
✫¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.✫✫
.•°*”˜˜”*°•.✫✫✫HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Tracy said...

Oh... such a beautiful tribute to your lovely Daddy...aaawww... I got tears in my eyes! Wishing you all the best in 2011, my friend–LOVE & LIGHT, PEACE & JOY to you & yours all year! :o) ((HUGS))

Jennifer Richardson said...

Can't say exactly why
but this stunning tribute
made me cry.
What a gift to this planet
is a man like your father.
And what beautiful eyes
you have to see him so well.
I love everything about this.
Will return to savor it again.
A shiny new year
to you and your tribe.
Thanks for the beauty
you are
and share,
Jennifer

Marilyn Miller said...

What an amazing tribute to your dad. He is a treasure and I wish I had had a dad like that. How fortunate you are, but I think you know it. Just lovely.

Rita said...

Relyn, I have been the recipient of your dad's generosity many times. You couldn't have a better dad! I'm so glad he's yours. You are like him in many ways. I could say these things of you too. Tell him Happy Birthday!

Anonymous said...

your words always touch me! thank you! happy new year friend.

Yiota said...

Happy Birthday to your dad, Relyn!
Have a blessed 2011 full of joy!
xo

Rozani said...

Relyn Hi, how are you?
You have a wonderful new year! With good health, peace, love, joy and accomplishments. Many good things in your life!
Thank you for visiting my blog work friends forever!
This is my movie blog and also have the personal blog. http://rozanipereira.blogspot.com. Why not stop by too!
Kisses,Rozani

Lynnelise said...

Happy New Year, Relyn, and your family! Thank you for blessing my 2010 with your encouraging, creative, inspiring blog!
Lord Bless You
<><

Diane said...

A lovely tribute to your dad. Happy Birthday to him. Diane

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Hi Relyn
Thanks for visiting and your kind words. I don't always leave a comment here but like to stop by now and then.
A touching tribute to your father and good advice for your daughter.
Happy New Year
Judith

Nadine von herz-allerliebst.de said...

Dear Relyn,
thank you so much for your lovely comments you left at my blog.

Your words about your dad are so sweet. What a wonderful idea!

Happy New Year to you and your family and greetings fom Germany,
Nadine

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

This is a lovely trbute to your Dad, Relyn!

Have a very happy and healthy 2011!

Unknown said...

Relyn,
My daughter has done several blogs dedicated to me and I have to say they are very special to me. I am sure your father was moved by your list.
Thank you for visiting my humble little blog. You are such a kind and special lady. May you have a wonderful 2011.

Amy said...

What a lovely tribute ... and how blessed you are to have such a daddy! May you both be on your way to the best year yet ...

Happy New Year, my friend!

cristie said...

could there really have been a greater gift than to have been blessed with such a daddy? xox

Patti said...

What a beautiful tribute- that and the list is a wonderful present as well! Lucky YOU to have such an inspiration in your life! Happy New Year my Friend!

Jeanie said...

I bet this was his best present. A list we'd all love.

Happy Birthday, Relyn's Dad. I'm sure you know that one of your greatest accomplishments is the creation of an inveterate list maker!

Kyra said...

A very happy birthday to your dad..with all the best of wishes for great times ahead..and it is a beautiful gift :)

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