Today is my dad's birthday. He likes to say it is the 19th anniversary of this 39th birthday. My dad is the youngest of five children - two older brothers and two older sisters. He was a surprise baby - born when the youngest (at that point) was 15 years old. His parents had just celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary. He grew up being close with both his siblings and his nieces and nephews. We share hair color, eye color, a stubborn streak, and a massive curiosity in all kinds of things. My mom would say we are nosey. I prefer inquisitive. I'm definitely a daddy's girl - since the very beginning.
Above are just a handful of my favorite pictures of my dad.
(clockwise from top far left)
1. Dad observing the fun around him. Most likely a family karaoke gathering. Elvis shirt and all.
2. Dad and I at my maternal grandparent's house. I think I was three.
3. My dad with his parents on vacation - the picture says 1964.
4. Dad and Mom on their first cruise.
5. Dad at Christmas. About two years old there.
6. Dad on one of my uncle's horses in the mid-late 1980s. He shared that love of horses with his eldest brother.
7. My Uncle L, Dad, and Uncle J at our annual Christmas gathering 2013.
8. Lastly, a school picture from 1962 or 1963. Sweet face!
So Dad, like I said on Facebook, I wish you a year of lots of laughter, good music, and more happiness than ever.
Love, your favorite daughter.
I'm his only daughter. When the first one is perfect, you don't try again.
