Sixty Years ago Today

Sixty years ago, today... Earth was blessed with a bouncy baby boy. Oh, I realize that there were probably hundreds of thousands of bouncy baby boys born on that very same day. In fact, here are a few:

• James Manuel Costa - U.S. Representative for California's 20th Congressional District
• Erick Avari - Indian-British actor with a starring role in The Mummy
• Sam Bush - Noted blue grass mandolin player
• Warren Anderson - Former Canadian hockey player
• Ron Dittemore - American Space Administrator

The guy I am talking about studied political science in college, but was never a politician. He is a character, but has never been in film. He can play the guitar... but mandolin, I am not sure. I could never imagine this guy on ice skates, but maybe I am wrong. And this guy has never had his head in the clouds (well... he did live through the 70s. hmmm.), unless you count the multitude of airplane rides he's taken in his life.

All of that is OKAY. Because what he's been able to pull off in the last sixty years is even more impressive than most.

My dad was such a cute kid. And he's such a handsome man. Above all of that, my dad has been (and still is) a fantastic father. I've known it since as long as I can remember. He is proud (in a chest-puffing sort of way), he is supportive (as he's shown time and time again), and he is SMART. Like very, very smart.

He has given us a life that was solid, without fear, with little to no drama (until I hit 18 of course, but that was mostly on me), and a lot of love.

When my dad became a grandfather, he put all other grandfathers to shame. Really.
There is nothing he wouldn't do for his grandchildren. Or his grand-dogs, for that matter.

And because of how he loves them, there is nothing that his grandchildren wouldn't do for him.

My dad is patient and kind. He loves my mother fiercely. He's hardworking. He's patriotic and proud.
Over the years, his hobbies may have changed... from hunting and camping, to building trains and playing golf, but his diverse interests show that he is engaged in life.

My dad's not fancy (although he cleans up nicely!) - most days (heck, everyday?!), you find him in a t-shirt and jeans. I love that about him. Too bad I couldn't find a picture of him in his cut-off jean shorts. Although, I don't think they've seen the light of day in at least 20 years. <<fingers crossed>>

As my brother and I have gotten older, I know we appreciate all our dad has done. We understand the sacrifices he has made. We understand the punishments we received. We understand the pushing, prodding and dragging. It all makes sense now.

Marcos' father passed away when Marcos was only 3. My dad has been our dad since Marcos was 18. And while it's not always been easy (those two are pretty similar considering there is not a drop of shared DNA), I know (because he's told me), that Marcos considers him as his dad.

I am so proud to have my dad in my corner. We are friends. We gossip like school girls. I depend on his knowledge. He cracks me up. I love him with all of my heart and soul. Forever and ever, Amen.

Happy Birthday, dad. I hope that you have a wonderful day (of course you will, Carne Asada and tacos for dinner tonight!).  We love you to bits.