Happy Birthday DAD!

Dad, you would be 60 today were you still with us. I miss you so much. Today I got up and went running (in the rain), one of your favorite past times. Each time I run I think of you and how you inspired me to start running. As a child I remember being in aw of your running/biking abilities. I thought it was so neat that you would meet up with your 2 buddies (Hal & Rudy) and run all the way to my friend, Jenny's house, several miles outside of Tulia. You were also an awesome cook. You did not eat meat but would make many vegetarian dishes that we all loved, especially your Italian dishes. Kind of ironic that my friend, Sarah, is making lasagna tonight for our small group - one of your favorites. You always encouraged us to be healthy and I am forever grateful to you. You taught me a lot about conversation and how to open up and let your feelings out. It was always so easy to talk to you. You seemed to know exactly what I needed and would say the exact things I needed to hear. Your probably didn't realize it but you passed on a lot of good wisdom. Some of that wisdom I just recently discovered. Derrick found a journal that I had given you on your 51st birthday and returned it to me just a couple of weeks ago. In between the pages I found the pocket piece I had also given you. Your finger print is still on it.....what a treasure! You didn't write much in the journal but what you did write is so meaningful. On one particular page I found these words...

Recall for me five of the most important lessons you have learned in life.

1. Nothing should be taken for granted -

anything can disappear at any moment.

2. Doing what is right is extremely important.

3. Children need to be taught what we wish

that we were taught as children.

4. A relationship formed by marriage

does not cease with a divorce.

5. God has a plan for each of us -

we need to learn to -"let go and let God".

The bold print are you exact words. There is so much wisdom that you have shared through these words. I will look upon them often as I try and write them on my own heart. I will never stop wishing you were here just one more day.....but I know that you are in a much better place and I will look forward to the day when we meet again. I love you, Dad! Happy Birthday.