And so, with decades still before him, I want to say that I love my father deeply. We have not always gotten along, and we certainly have differing opinions on a variety of topics, but he has always been there to support me … even in endeavors which he might not care for. He does not give his support blindly, but he also offers advice and suggestions to help guide me.
My father is one of the strongest men I know. Now, I know that this is a common claim from sons about their fathers, but I know this to be true of mine. While I am referring to physical strength, I also mean the strength of his mind and character. He has been a dependable rock for me throughout my life, no less so now that he has hit the three quarters of a century mark.
While there are many traits that I took from my father, one of the biggest ones is his goal-setting. He has goals for nearly everything, and I have learned to do the same. Although I do not have all of them written out to the degree that he does, I have been able to use this lesson throughout my life to help balance the many responsibilities that I have.
I have taken on his humor. I have been told by my students that they can never quite tell when I am joking or serious, and that is something that I learned from the master. Like him, I seem to be content in finding the humor in any situation even if others aren't seeing it.
I have also inherited his penchant for story-telling. I particularly remember his time in Toast-Masters as he practiced his speeches with us. I have long been in awe of his resonant voice and have actively worked to try to develop my own in imitation of his.
Well, this should have already publicly embarrassed him enough for one birthday.
I love you, Dad.