Today my dad is 80! I remember when I thought 80 was OLD! But my dad doesn’t match my idea of 80. He hasn’t changed his habits much at all since I was a little kid. I mean, he doesn’t go to work everyday, he is more careful about what he eats, and his full head of dark brown hair has changed to a full head of cottony white hair, but, by in large, he’s just the same.
On any given day, I can stop by my folk’s house and find my dad, up a ladder in a tree, on his stomach arm fully extended in the pool to clear out old leaves, in the attic wrestling with boxes, or walking at a good clip to/from the mailbox. He even got a bike this year and began a daily riding regimen which he might still be following if not for a blast of inopportune sun that caused a minor accident. All in all, my dad doesn’t act like the 80-year-olds I picture in my head.
I am thankful that my dad is still chugging along. He still helps me with household tasks, opens jars for my mom, and enjoys a good meal from In and Out Burger. He is a great man who provided everything his family needed; food, shelter, clothing, education (and not just schooling; you should hear my dad’s vocabulary), family vacations, backyard bar-b-ques, holiday memories, motor pool for the vehicles, love of country, priesthood leadership, good character, and love. I am thankful my son now has the opportunity to learn many of the same things I did from the same man.
I love you dad – Happy Birthday!
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