Happy Birthday, Dad!

I like to do a post in honor of my loved ones on their birthday. Well, today is the birthday of three of my loved ones. LOL So I will spread them out throughout the week. First, my dad. Today when we go out to lunch he can officially get the senior discount, hehe.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!!

Oh, where do I start in telling about Dad? He is such a great combination of fun and hard work, of prayer and teasing.

Over thirty years ago he started his own business. In a world of dishonest construction workers, he determined that he would run a successful business--and do it honestly. No shortcuts, no cheapy materials, and no dishonesty. Today he is well-known and well respected for building quality homes and being wonderful to work with. Last month a couple looking for a new home walked into one of his. “We have been in hundreds of houses lately,” they said. “But this home…this home is different. I can see it. I can feel it.” God has blessed this business, and in return, my parents have been generous and hospitable to those around them.

All through my childhood I can remember coming downstairs in the morning and finding Dad quietly meditating, his Bible spread out before him. He is an ordained minister, but it is not a title…it is a way of life. He isn’t currently in church leadership, but I can still remember some of his sermons. He often had the most unique and memorable illustrations.

I think ya’ll know by now that I’m very wacky. I got some of that from Dad. It was he who taught me the poems “Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear…” “One dark night when it was very bright…” and “Ladies and Jellyfish, Hobos and tramps!” It was he who told “Three ways to get peanut butter off the roof of your mouth.” (or more precisely “Whee ways tu get peanu bu’ur off de woof uf you’ mouf.”) It’s Dad who says Donald’s Mac and cream ice, and he who regaled us with hours of childhood South American escapades as a missionary child.

I’m proud of you, Dad. I love you!