Happy Birthday, Dad!

71 yrs old! Happy Birthday!

I love you!

~Stories about my Dad~

Earliest memory:

*Dad was a butcher and a truck driver for beef companies. He would drive the San Francisco streets and befriend the patrons that he delivered to. As thank yous to him for his care and his friendly ways the shops would give him gifts to bring home and share with his family. I was always curious ... wondering... what is coming home with him today. The gifts weren't always the tangible kind but my dad had new jokes that he learned on his route. I remember there were several times that he would tell our family the joke and everyone was laughing and I was right there laughing too. I would then become the tail end of the laughter as I was laughing and didn't even know why I was laughing.. I was just laughing because everyone else was laughing. I must had been around 5yrs old then and the jokes were definitely way over my head.

*There was a day that I had invited my childhood BFF, Cheryl with me in our home when we got home from school. The rule was: No friends allowed in the home after school, we must wait for a parent. My Dad ( he was a BIG guy back then) arrived home early, I panicked as I knew I was in deep trouble. Now.. my father never physically hurt me but he had a mean bark when you'd done wrong. Anyway, back to my panic.... I told Cheryl that we needed to head out to the back yard and jump the fence. I made it over, but Cheryl struggled to get over. The main culprit keeping her from making the leap was our Labrador named Pepper. Pepper was scratching at her back so bad that he caused her welts and bleeding. My Dad rescued her when he plucked her from the fence and carried her into the home. He consoled her while I was quickly returned back in the house and waiting for my scolding. He let us both off and felt that the dog trauma was a good lesson.

*My Dad is a huge lover of nature and the beauty in it. He introduced our family to Yosemite (Natures Cathedral), we made annual camps there; this special place warms my soul everytime I'm there. I still have to make an annual trip~ I have withdrawals if I don't!

A more recent ~

My Dad was diagnosed (April 2001) with stage 4 Esophageal Cancer that had metastasised to his liver. His prognosis was 5% survival. By some beautiful miracle~ He is now healthy and cancer free 8.5 yrs. Doctors tell him that he is a walking miracle as he is the 1% to make it this many yrs post the seriousness of his cancer.

We are so incredibly lucky to have him in our lives. My Dad didn't think he would live long enough for my Tanner to know him... Tanner (7) knows his PaPa. I believe Cole(4 this Nov) knows him to, but if he is currently unaware~ He will! :o)

Have a beautiful Birthday Dad and know that you are Blessed!