Happy Birthday Dad

For when he would flex his biceps for me when I was little.  I thought he was the strongest man in the world and he was my hero.

For when he would check under my bed for alligators that I just knew ran in fear when he did that and tucking me in so my arms and legs wouldn't have a chance of hanging over the bed in case they came back after he left.

For when he would make me laugh at Christmas Eve Mass for singing off key at the top of his lungs. Mom would separate us and be so angry at us for horsing around.

For loving the holidays the way he did and making it such a big event in our house.  He was happy when the whole family, as extended as it could be, was there, happy and celebrating together and instilling that quality in me.

For him loving my husband to be the way he did.  And quietly accepting our unconventional meeting and engagement telling my mom, "there is something special about him" and knowing I had found my happily ever after.

For the ride in our limo to the church the day I was married holding my hand and saying to me, "it's not too late to back out kid" because he didn't want to lose me so soon.

For dancing with him at my wedding, knowing the tears weren't going to stop as I danced to "Daddy's little girl" with him.

For him showing me the way a husband should treat his wife.  The way a real man treated a woman, with respect and love.

For loving each and every one of his granddaughters the way he did and teasing me that "not everyone can have kids with plumbing on the outside".  How the sun rose and set around his girls....

For fighting his illnesses the way he did.  With the dignity and grace and courage that made me love and respect him the way I do.

For finally stopping the fight and knowing your reward in Paradise was waiting.  It was time to rest after so many years.

For the hole in my heart that will never be fixed since you left me.

For being the first superhero this little girl ever believed in.

For missing you every single day since you stopped your suffering.

For kissing me good bye in my dream last night and the tears that haven't stopped since I woke up.

Happy Birthday Dad, I miss you today and always

Dee