Have I ever told you how proud I am to be your daughter?
You were the one who could give the history to any current event happening during our childhood. You were the one who taught me how to shoot a basketball, drive a car, stack wood, paint a house, mow a lawn, and pick a good spot for stream fishing. You were the one who cheered me on in my volleyball games and drove me to high school for 4 years. You were the one who coached my first (and only) softball team and who would wrestle with us kids after supper. You were the one who would make up songs in the car. Your #1 lecture was "someone is always watching and following you, thus you will always be a leader. Learn to lead well." You were the one who always expected me to give 100% on the volleyball court or at our NHACS and national competitions. You were the one who made home fries on Saturday mornings and whose whistling would wake me up on those lazy Saturdays mornings. You were the one who would greet me with a hug at the back door of church every Wednesday night my last few years in NH. It was your words of "Jenn, your mom and I are proud of you" that I have cherished and remembered more than any gift you ever gave me!
Dad, you are still the one I think of when I see a fishing pole, hear someone whistle, or see an insurance sign. Your name still brightens up the faces of the established businessmen in Concord when I mention that you are my dad. You are the one I call when I have a problem with the car, need to make a decision, or have to repair a household item. You are the one who finds the perfect jewelry for Christmas and birthday gifts. You are the one who won't let me pay for any of my meals when I am with you. You are the one whose approval I look and listen for most intently even though I live many miles away. You are the one who best exemplifies the love of my Heavenly Father to me. You are the one who loves me unconditionally no matter how big my mistakes may be. You are the one who believes the best of me and wants the best for me. You are my DAD, and for that I thank God.
I love you, Dad.
Happy Birthday! I hope your day is full of the same joy you infused into my life.