A birthday

Somewhere in another city my dad is celebrating a birthday.  One of those big milestone ones with round happy numbers and hopefully no flamingos on the lawn.  I’m not sure if you’re a flamingo guy, eh dad.  But I do know that you’re a coffee guy and every time I go to a coffee shop, I’m so thankful for all the times we spend sipping warm drinks together and chatting about life.  I’ve learned so much about life from you.  Where do you think I get the travel bug from?  Or my love of bakeries and ice cream shops, exploring neighborhoods to see neat houses, finding zoos and reading books? I know my kids have inherited this too.  I love that you have taught us to wonder about the world, appreciate life, love people and enjoy every day.

Sometimes dad I wonder where the time has gone.  Wasn’t it only yesterday that I was the one getting read to, or getting picked up from school.  I think I took for granted how the magic worked.  I’d call and you’d show up.  I needed something and it was there.  Now I’m trying to make that magic work for my guys and I’m realizing how much work it actually was.

But it’s neat now with us both being grownups.  I can buy my own coffee even though I still usually take it black just like you.  And sometimes I can even treat you.  I still learn so much from you.  And when I see you throw my guys on your shoulder or watch you sitting with them reading or walking the dog, there he is; the strongest, smartest, greatest guy in the world.  Only now I actually can appreciate it, because I’m also a grownup.  And I’m so lucky and thankful you’re my dad. I hope you have a wonderful day and I can’t wait to celebrate with you soon. xoxo

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