To My Dad on His Birthday

To my dad on his birthday-

I am thankful for you-

Thanks for always being present-

for coming to see my soccer games,

                       driving me to softball practice,

                       taking me golfing,

                       driving me to freshman year, (24 hours...you're a champ)

                       ritually taking the girls to get a Christmas tree,

                       rescuing me from sticky situations (locking keys in car..)

                       

Thanks for teaching me all kinds of things-                          

like how mow the lawn, (which gives us laughter to this day)

                        how to bat,

                        how to throw a frisbee,

                        how to drive stick shift,

                        how to make homemade pancakes,

                        how to extract DNA from peas (yep, I still impress people with this one).

I am particularly thankful for how you love.

When you love other people, 

you selflessly give of yourself-

                       your finances,

                       your time,

                       your resources,

                       your sweat (and sometimes tears).

All of this reflects the love of Jesus-

who was always moved by people,

and poured himself out for them.

I praise our Father in Heaven,

for he has given you to me and me to you.

Confidently I know- 

you will always be there,

you will always teach me,

and you will always be a man of self-giving.

Cheers to another year...Grandpa!