Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my Dad's Birthday...75th to be exact.  We tried calling him this morning to sing him his Happy Birthday song but he was in-between working out and bank meetings already, so we sang to his voicemail.  Obviously he isn't slowing down much.  :)

If you have read this blog for any length of time, or known me for any amount of time, you KNOW how much I LOVE my Dad...he was my first love.

Excerpts from the book “Father to Daughter – Life Lessons on Raising a Girl”. It’s a sweet little cube of a book comprised of quotes from dads about what they’ve learned in bringing up a daughter. Some quotes make me giggle. Others tug real hard on my heart strings, bringing tears to my eyes.

Of all the things these dads shared with the book’s author, there was one common precept…

It was, and is, important to be involved in their daughters’ lives.

Sing to her while you’re rocking her. She’ll love hearing your voice – and it’s a great way to pass the time at 1 a.m

When you get home from work, hold her as much as possible. This is for your benefit 

as much as hers.

Ask her about her day, every day. Share her wonder.

Tell her from day one that she can accomplish anything. And believe it yourself.

Play with her, tickle her, give her piggyback rides. Show her how to have fun.

But never, ever, make fun of her.

Keep her secrets. Teach her what it means to be able to trust a man.

Praise her often. Let her know you love her the way she isMake her part of your world – let her see you shave, work, read, and relax. She’ll love you, no matter what you’re doing.

Have tea parties with her. Nibble on whatever she puts in front of you. Tell her it’s 

delicious.

Encourage her to try new things while she’s very young, and she’ll be more willing to try new things when she’s older.

Encourage her to trust her instincts, especially when her safety is involved.

Display her artwork in your office. Prominently.

Don’t miss a recital, play, game, or any other performance of hers. Not now. Not until she graduates.

Dance with her always. She’ll never be too young. Or too old.

Be her hero.

Be her first love.

How blessed I am to call this man MY DAD!  Happy Birthday to my First Love....no one can ever fill YOUR spot in my heart!