ode to my dad.

"Popeye, save me!!!" I yelped as my Dad would rush in and save his dear Olive Oyle. Dad was always saving the day. Even when I was sixteen and managed to run over our mailbox...

"Popeye" was one of many, many games my Dad and I would play as a little kid. I would climb the mountain (my Dad) when I was about three until my dad just couldn't pull me up anymore...we would play Uno as I got older, and it was my Dad who helped me perfect my free throw shot when we played Horse. And he didn't let me win everytime :)

It was Dad who taught me how to ride my bike and dabbed up the bloody knees and elbows. And Dad taught me the importance of treating people with respect...like calling them back right away when there was a message. It was Dad that scared (off?) the boys which really prevented me from having my heart broken. He had a fancy car analogy that was killer... (Thanks for not scaring off Mark!)

And now Dad gives my kids shoulder rides and pushes them on the swing he put in just for them when we come over.

All of those years of praying, worrying, loving...I appreciate every moment, Dad. Especially now that I face the same things you did as a parent. Of all the things you taught me, it was how to be a great Mom. How to be firm (I hear your voice in my own lectures and laugh later :D), how to let them make mistakes, how to teach them to love God and love others...all those years when you thought I wasn't listening? I was. And I thank you for being the strictest parent of all my friends, even though "it wasn't fair."

I love you so much, Dad. Thanks for being my Dad and loving me when I wasn't lovable. Happy Birthday, Pops. You're the best.