Happy Father's Day Dad

I'm too cheap to buy you a corny father's day card dad.... so instead you'll have to read this and pretend it is stamped with a Hallmark log and a $3.99 price tag.... and if you squint your eyes hard enough, maybe you can even hear some cool song or sound like those fancy cards come equipped with now.

My dad probably would qualify as the most devoted dad I know, hands on well beyond the typical, adventurous, a little crazy and a lot of fun!

My earliest memories usually include some outdoors adventure-- hiking, mountains, woods, bike rides, etc

 He did have one flaw-- trying to cut my foot off when I was 6 via bike spokes.  Luckily I made a full enough recovery  and apparently he had a guilty enough concious 10 years later to do our first Bike MS 150 mile really freaking long bike ride with me.  Unfortunately this was before selfies so none of us together!

He was one of a few parent reader volunteers and certainly the only dad throughout my entire elementary school days

He was easily one of the most fit and athletic dads I know too.  To save money (ok we didn't have enough money but whatever) he rode his bike to work for the first 9 years of my life everyday.  And even once we moved further away, and could afford/got a 2nd vehicle, he still rode on weather permitting days for a while.  He's been running since he learned how to run... and he hasn't slowed down much yet.  He sure tried hard to get a 2nd generation runner, but yeah that sisn't happen.  Sorry dad, not everyone can have a full track record of sucesses.

He taught us to take risks and have fun.  Fear was so not something we were taught!  I loved the amusement park, jumping off our roof and any other thrills.

You with mom have been a great example of a life long marriage.  So many of the kids who've been in our home, they didn't even understand husband as opposed to boy friend. 

Dad taught us to always have hometown pride, even when you've lived other places longer than you ever lived in your home town!

Dad has always made family and extended family a priority.  He also was always loving and welcoming as our own household family size grew.  He was practically a big kid himself 1/2 the time!

 He demonstrated life-long friendships that can stand the test of time and distance

You've made everyday happenings-- and even the ones that weren't as typical exciting and memorable

 You've provided all us kids with many memories and experiences.  A lot of the kids first time experiences at big things like a beach, bike riding, playing sports and so much more was with you.

 You learned how to accept Marko-- after trying to kill him of course.  And after Marko and I helped make you extra gray, we got you to loose up for the up and coming teens you'd still have left to deal with!  Marko and you went from non-verbal, to civil, to now you are Marko's preferred advice giver for his big financial decisions.

 

Even with your long hours, you never missed one of my basketball games.  You were never once on time-- but you were consistent and still are.  Your 9am and everyone else's 9:22 are so similar. :-)  And now you've begun a 2nd generation and are a great practice coach with the kidlets and their favorite fan on the sidelines.

I love the second generation of traditions: specifically bridge Day.  Soon we need to introduce them to some more of our hang outs like Hawks Nest, Stevens Lake, and all the others.

You are far beyond just a dad, just a Poppy.  You are the entire neighborhood's honorary Poppy.  Regardless if Jayna and Anthony are at your house or not, if you are home before dark there's a good 85% chance a neighborhood kid has come to play ball with you and see the mini-farm or even come for a warm couch and a meal, and as you've always done since forever ago you welcome them in.

 You are one of a kind.  Few dad's work full time hours and cook so many of the meals.  Not a day went by that you didn't cook me breakfast when I was in school.  And I don't mean a bowl of cereal. I was spoiled with real food- french toast, apple pancakes, oatmeal (instant) or made from scratch apple and raisin cinnamon oatmeal too!  And even now you still spoil me with your world famous pancakes!

You provide the kids that closely bonded grandparent relationship I got with Papa.  The kids are so incredibly lucky to have the best child care and then you still choose to get them when I wasn't working too.

You've shown the kids the fun parts of your childhood and the family properties and all the great things about the farm.

I'm not sure why you went the path you did--- practicing raising chickens with this one.  But apparently she was a rather likable chicken since you added so many more chickens to your mini-farm after her.

You sincerely care about the kids in every aspect, educationally too.  Thank you for being as much of an advocate for them as I have been and to teach them every time they are with you, even when they don't realize that is what you're doing because you make it more fun!

You're a bit crazy and that makes you even more fun to be around!  You're so laid back and relaxed but you also know how to have a good time without crossing any moral lines.

You aren't just a Poppy but a best friend

You are a problem solver, both big and small

and you are so fun and energetic-- and ok with being attacked by water balloons

You have hidden talents too-- and apparently are ready to start cosmetology class any day now... all while having made their clientele a bowl of "Wendy's Ice cream" to eat while she has her hair done.

Thanks for everything you've done and that you still are doing

I love spending time with you dad!  

Happy Father's Day!