happy birthday dad.
Today is my dad’s birthday.
Well, yesterday was my dad’ s birthday.
You know, it all depends on when you read this.
Let’s start over.
It’s my dad’s birthday.
Right now he is working as a truck driver and his job demands long hours spent on the road. That makes it hard to be sure letters and cards are seen in a timely fashion.
We played phone tag today so I never even really got to say an official happy birthday to him.
But I know he reads this blog so I’ll just use what I have.
I love my father.
He is a good man.
Loyal. Generous. Decisive. Passionate. Driven. Goal-oriented.
He has loved me well.
I’m pretty sure he has never changed one of my children’s diapers and I know he rarely ever changed a diaper of his own four children.
He doesn’t care for sports and he rarely watched any TV while we were growing up except his standard Sunday afternoon western.
He is a man who supports our dreams and asks hard questions.
My dad is insistent and particular and he spends a lot of his hours thinking and scheming and planning and imagining.
He is seldom idle and has a gargantuan sweet tooth that I know I inherited.
He’s unexpectedly funny, but not really in the “let me tell you a joke” kind of way.
He loves my children and he humors them by sharing stories of when he was a boy and he watches cheesy films with them and has taught them how to play chess.
When my dad reminded me that on this birthday he would turn 69 – I think I inhaled audibly.
That number is not one I can equate with my father.
He somehow has managed to transcend age in my mind.
Maybe that’s true for all parents.
It’s as if he’ll always be the age I pictured him when I was sixteen. Or fourteen. Or twenty.
And if Dad is almost 70 this year then that means my mom would be already 70.
That is as unreal to me as saying she would be 120. It’s a number I cannot even fathom in association with my mother.
My parents, my dad, are a part of the whole of me.
Shared name. Shared genes. Shared tendencies to dream big but drag reality into the vision. Shared overbearing traits and sometimes strongly spoken opinions.
My dad is a fine man.
He is wise and not ashamed to share where he is weak.
He loves Jesus and he’s never been afraid of hard work and struggle.
He’s one of the good guys.
Happy Birthday Dad.
I am proud to be your little girl.
Keep Reading . . .
five finds friday (mustaches & embroidery)
the winter feels
10 Comments
Lisa and Dwayne
Sherry – I truly laughed out loud when I read your comment about Carl seeing the potential in everything. To this day, Dwayne and I still talk about the "p" word when we're looking for the plus-side of something! So many good memories….
lacey35
Oh goodness — the dreaded "p" word.
When we found our current house – I called Dad right away and said, "Dad – you're going to love it. Guess what it has loads of?" Yep – potential!
Lisa and Dwayne
Well said! Happy Birthday Carl!
Sherry Edwards
…and he was a builder of character and he saw "potential" in everything..I love your dad and the memories we had at the farm. Your parents ( and your family) were such an inspiration to us.They were who I wanted to be when I grew up..I wanted my family to be like your family. I remember when you guys were young and for some reason your mom or dad raised their voice and I said I was going to video it because I had NEVER heard them raise their voice. We laughed because it made them human and we werent sure they were!! No one could be that perfect for real!!! Your dad does dream big and wants you to share in the dream with him and he makes you believe that dreams come true..because they do. I hope he has a wonderful birthday and I hope he knows how many lives he has touched. We love you Carl!!
lacey35
Lovely Sherry.
Thank you.
And – I always had lots of stories to let you know they were not perfect! 🙂
DV Hamilton
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Carl! I hardly recognize you W/O the beard. If you are ever this way (Archdale NC) stop in we will have some SMORES. Miss you and your "WHAT IF". Doyle and Charlotte
karen
what beautiful words, lacey!! and it makes me realize, no wonder he wasn't just another customer of my dad's. their similarities were the foundation for a true friendship! as always, when you talk about your parents and siblings, i long to go back in time and spend another day at the eibert farm!!! : )
lacey35
They are alike in many ways – aren't they?
I long to go back there too —
Helen Rutrough
A wonderful tribute to your Dad! His heart will be overflowing when he reads this! Happy Birthday, Carl!
lacey35
Thank you!