(This post was supposed to be published on Feb. 20/09 but I was away and wasn't sure if it would publish itself on the day I set it to or not. Obviously it needs a human to push the publish button.)
Happy Birthday Dad. You are so special to Janet and me, to our families and to your many friends.
We're so proud of you and feel so blessed to have you as our Dad.
You always took time to play with us as we were growing up - my favourite memories are ice skating with you along 15 Mile Creek back in Ontario, hands linked, your strong hands guiding me, making me feel loved and so special. When I walked with you, you always made sure I was on the inside of the sidewalk - afterall, if a car veered off the road, I would be protected.
We're so proud of you and feel so blessed to have you as our Dad.
You always took time to play with us as we were growing up - my favourite memories are ice skating with you along 15 Mile Creek back in Ontario, hands linked, your strong hands guiding me, making me feel loved and so special. When I walked with you, you always made sure I was on the inside of the sidewalk - afterall, if a car veered off the road, I would be protected.
We loved it that you were home from work waiting for us when we got home from school. You'd lay on the grass, reading the paper and we would climb on your back. You made sure we stayed in touch with our extended families - working hard so we could go to BC to see your side of the family every couple of years. Those trips, by train and by car where such a highlight for us. We learned to love our country in a way that couldn't be taught through a text book.
You modelled generosity and kindness, and introduced us to our heavenly Father at an early age. You and mom showed us the importance of having and being friends and showed us how to maintain relationships through good times and bad.
When our children came along, you made the effort to come and see them - occassionally more than once in a year. You and mom willingly came and stayed with our children (ages 6, 9 and 11) so I could accompany Harv on a working trip to New Zealand that extended to 6 weeks. The kids were loved and cared for beyond our expectations. Now that we're grandparents we know exactly how big a committment you took on!
What a joy it was to welcome you to BC 20 years ago, when you and mom decided to move here. That took courage - to leave the area you'd lived in for 40 years, all your good friends, and familiar activities to come and start over here. Our children are so fortunate to have known their Opa and Oma and our grandchildren the same. Now that Mom has gone, you have worked hard to adapt to the changes this has brought to your life.
What a joy it was to welcome you to BC 20 years ago, when you and mom decided to move here. That took courage - to leave the area you'd lived in for 40 years, all your good friends, and familiar activities to come and start over here. Our children are so fortunate to have known their Opa and Oma and our grandchildren the same. Now that Mom has gone, you have worked hard to adapt to the changes this has brought to your life.
We love you and are so proud of you.
You are the best, Dad!! Happy Birthday.
You are the best, Dad!! Happy Birthday.
2 comments:
what a wonderful tribute to your father....what a legacy that he leaves behind.
What a wonderful 'ode' to your father...and how nice to put your thoughts on 'paper' for his birthday. He will appreciate your words of gratitude more than any gift.
Post a Comment