I love that when I drive with him in the car, he gets jumpy, nervously grunting and grasping the door handle exactly the same way he did when he taught me to drive 22 years go. He honestly believes I still can't make a left turn without him.
I love that when I was 14, he took me to our small-town police station, escorted me into an (empty) jail cell, sat down with me, looked me in the eye, and said "don't ever come here again." And I never did.
I love that he has modeled for me, by a fine and faithful example, the best way to love my children. And also the best way to embarrass them.
I love that even though he is modest and squeamish, he came into the delivery room when my third son was born, quietly finding a spot for himself in a corner that was as far as humanly possible from the Business End Of Things. Meeting Joseph was the sweetest moment of that day, but the look of awe on my dad's face was a close second.
I love that he has never, ever, ever, for as long as he has lived, counted a chicken before it was hatched.
I love (or, more accurately, amusedly tolerate) the fact that he uses my sons as his own personal recycling bins, giving them old golf balls and mysterious keys and ugly hats "because I thought they might like this." And my boys, of course, think that if it came from Pop, it must surely be great treasure.
I love that he sends me an e-mail and then calls me five minutes later to say "did you get my e-mail?"
I love that he enjoys my kids, and he affirms them, but he doesn't let them get away with acting like hooligans.
I love that when Hubs asked him for my hand in marriage, he didn't go easy on him, saying, "For 21 years we've been praying for the man who would marry our daughter. Tell me, do you think you're the man worthy of all that prayer?"
I love that my Joseph seems to be a genetic copy of him, in every way.
I love that he has always--quietly but surely--made me feel safe.
I love you, Dad. Happy birthday.
Well, that was just beautiful. I love my dad, too--he sounds a lot like yours. Mine turns 58 on Feb. 6. You've inspired me.
Posted by: Marla Taviano | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Oh, and Happy, Happy Birthday, Shannon's Dad! If my mind was working this morning, I'd write you a Birthday Herku. Hawku? Hay-do? Can't remember what you call it!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Gosh! I love him too, now! He sounds like a great dad! God bless him on his special day. You're a lucky daughter!
I love the jail visit! Very good, Dad!
Posted by: wanda | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:39 AM
I lost my Dad to Cancer on New Years Day of 1994 and I so miss him. I am typing this and crying. Here is a link to that blog
http://myfamilyisloved.blogspot.com/2009/01/15-years-ago-today.html
Be thankful for everyday you have with him and make the most of it.
I had to smile at the driving, my Daddy was the same way:)
God Bless and I hope you have many many more years with your Daddy!
Posted by: Sandi | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:41 AM
This is precious, precious, precious! Hang on to that Daddy Shannon. Some of us don't have them, even though they're alive. Are you looking for a little sister to be adopted? I don't take up much space. I don't eat a lot. Although I do have a pet Monkey that makes a lot of noise, but he's charming and delightful, so usually he makes up for it. :-)
Posted by: MM | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:44 AM
How wonderful! I love that you said he never counted a chicken before it was hatched...wow! We need more of that today!
-sandy toe
Posted by: Sandy toes | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:56 AM
I just want to go hug him!
Good thing my Dad lives down the street.
Posted by: We are THAT family | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Beautiful. I wish I had had a dad like that.
It's the kind of dad my husband is, though. Praise God.
Happy Birthday, Shannon's Dad!
Posted by: Grateful for Grace | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:03 AM
This was a very sweet read today. I also read the Candy Land blog and I feel your pain. My 3 year old son received the game for Christmas and we have played it alot. Ours is the Dora the Explorer version. It tickles me because regardless where my son is on the board he loves to get the candy cards even if they take him back to the beginning he loves them.
Posted by: Cydney | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Great reminders - thank you for that.
Happy Birthday Shannon's Dad :)
Posted by: Missus Wookie | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Beautiful tribute - I'm crying because it is so sweet and also because I so desperately miss my Dad sometimes - this is a time. Happy Birthday Shannon's Dad - you are a blessing through generationsl
Posted by: Linda Sue | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:07 AM
What a great tribute!
Posted by: Shara | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Beautiful! Happy Birthday to your dear Dad!
Posted by: elizabethk | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:09 AM
What a beautiful tribute! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Jennifer R. | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:15 AM
what a great dad!!
Posted by: Jennifer M. | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:24 AM
What a wonderful tribute to your father. Happy Birthday "Rocks in my dryer" Senior! :)
Posted by: Tiffany | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:26 AM
That is so beautiful. Happy Birthday to your dad. Dads are so important and I think they sometimes get the short end of the stick. We all seem to remember mom but dad gets left behind. So, taking the time to remember how much dad is loved is so great.
Posted by: Upstatemomof3 | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Aw, what a sweet post. I posted a simple photo in honor of my dad's birthday yesterday (though he's no longer with us). I wish he could have met his granddaughter.
Posted by: Minnesotamom | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Shannon:
OK I am really crying now. What a lovely daughter you are and how proud that wonderful Dad must be of you. My Dad went home to the Lord in 2001 and I miss him each and everyday. He was the best man I had ever known.
Roberta Anne
Posted by: Roberta Anne | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Happy Birthday Shannon's Dad!
Thanks for sharing this tribute, Shannon. You've inspired me... you and the Mother Letter Projects. My dad's birthday isn't until December, but I'd love to share the things I love about him sooner rather than later.
Posted by: Aimee | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:01 AM
What a sweet post for your Father! May he have wonderful and blessed birthday today!
Posted by: Melanie | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Shannon,
Such a wonderful post. What an awesome dad you have. Loved the jail story. Happy Birthday to Shannon's Dad!
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa Stout | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:06 AM
What a wonderful post! Your dad sounds like a very special man. Happy Birthday to Shannon's dad!
Posted by: Betsy | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Daddies are the best! I lost mine 3 1/2 years ago and I miss him everyday. I love the memories he left!
Posted by: Real Mom, Real Life | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Happy Birthday to the RIMD Paternal Unit!
Blessings!
Posted by: Octamom | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Thanks to you who've wished me a happy birthday and a special thanks to my wonderful daughter for that birthday wish! It's been easy being a dad to her, even though she HAS needed a little help on left turns! We've had a special bond lo these many years and now as I turn 64, I'm am among all men most thankful for the 36 years we've had together. God has been very good to me, and one of His special gifts is my sweet girl! Shannon's dad.
Posted by: hogphan | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:24 AM
That is two days in a row you have made me cry! Yesterday it was tears from laughter and today it was the love of a wonderful father!
Tomorrow I will wait until after I read your post to put on my mascara!
Posted by: Juliana E. | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:24 AM
That was wonderful. Happy Birthday Shannon's dad.
Posted by: Heth | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Happy birthday and congratulations on being so blessed to have such a wonderful dad still with you. I hope he is strong and healthy for many years to come.
Posted by: patois | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:42 AM
I am all teared up, Shannon. That was a beautiful tribute. Your words made me think about my dad. Happy Birthday to yours. You are a blessing to him, I know.
Posted by: Jane Anne | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 12:04 PM
What a beautiful post and wonderful tribute to an awesome-sounding Dad.
Happy Birthday, Shannon's Dad!
Posted by: Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Your dad is blessed by his daughter today. May he celebrate many more Happy Birthdays!
Posted by: Carol @SheLives | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Oh Wow! That has to be the most amazing thing I have read!
I'm sure he must be very proud to be your Dad!
Posted by: Dani | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 12:15 PM
This made me smile. It even made me cry just a little bit. We lost my Daddy to cancer last March. He was the greatest man I've ever known and I loved everything about him. There's nothing like a Daddy and a daughter is there?
Posted by: Tater Mama | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 12:35 PM
That's just beautiful, Shannon! Your father sounds like a wonderful man!
Posted by: GiBee | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:01 PM
What a wonderful tribute and a blessed thing to have such a great relationship with him. My dad and I are not as estranged as we once were but I don't think I could come up with such a wonderful list.
Posted by: sam | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:06 PM
What an awesome post! Happy Birthday to your dad! Sounds like an awesome man!
Posted by: Kelly | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Aww, how blessed are you?! Happy Birthday to your wonderful Dad!
Posted by: Kila | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:25 PM
What a blessing to have such a Dad. Happy Birthday to him!
Posted by: Blue Castle | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:30 PM
I have read for ever so long without ever commenting, but I just couldn't click away today without wishing your Dad a Happy Birthday. Or without telling you how much I enjoy your blog.
Posted by: Linda | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:42 PM
That was just beautiful Shannon. Your Father must be very special indeed. Your children are so lucky to have his perspective in their lives. My Dad passed away when I was 17, never seen me marry or seen his grandchildren. Cherish everyday you have him in your lives.
Happy Birthday to Shannon's Dad!
Posted by: Jewel | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Awww such a wonderful birthday post to your Dad!
Posted by: Lindsay | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Happy Birthday to your dad. Very sweet!
Posted by: Melanie | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:58 PM
you have an amazing gift. thank you for sharing. i pray that our daughters one day have this type of relationship with my husband.
blessings to you.
keitha
Posted by: keitha | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Well, that's it then. I'm gonna have to steal your dad (even though he totally called you out on your age!)
Posted by: A&EMom | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 02:26 PM
What a sweet post! Happy Birthday to your Dad!
Posted by: Tootie | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 02:40 PM
That was really lovely, Shannon. Happy Day to Dad!
Posted by: Headless Mom | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 02:53 PM
I love that you have such a wonderful dad - Happy Birthday, father to "Rocks in the Dryer, sir.
Posted by: Alana @ Gray Matters | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Awe, super sweet. I too was blessed with an Awesome dad who I am grateful for everyday.
Posted by: tiffany | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Aww, that was super sweet. Makes me want to go hug my dad.
Posted by: Natalie @ I AM (not) | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:26 PM
That was a really really nice post. I liked it a lot.
Posted by: Zandor | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:28 PM
My dad is so similar, and like I mentioned a few days ago, I too have a son who's a clone of my dad. It's an incredible blessing that I NEVER could have imagined. But that boy's (4) not my favorite, okay? DO YOU HEAR ME???!?!
Posted by: Stretch Mark Mama | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:49 PM
That was beautiful, Shannon. I've been blessed with such a wonderful father, too, and I'm thankful to God for it everyday. Happy birthday to your dad.
Posted by: Chen | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:57 PM
I love this tribute, Shannon. What a lucky girl. What a lucky dad.
Posted by: Jane Payne | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:57 PM
OMG I just cried a little. That is soooo sweet and is FULL of GREAT ideas for my husband! Thank you so much, this is such a sweet post :D and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your Daddy!
Posted by: Christine | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 04:07 PM
This post made me teary eyed! I love it!
Posted by: Lorie | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 05:38 PM
what a beautiful tribute. he sounds like a wonderful man:)
Posted by: suzannah | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 06:19 PM
That's a wonderful tribute to your father. He sounds like the best.. enjoy him
Posted by: Nancy | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 06:55 PM
That was a great post and I enjoyed hearing about your dad! My dad always has made me feel safe...ya gotta love that! 3 Cheers for great dads out there!!!
Posted by: Kim@ForeverWherever | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 07:08 PM
This was such a beautiful post. I cried all the way through it. I adored my daddy. Unfortunately he died of cancer 20 years ago at the age of 49. Good dads are one of the best things in the world. I'm so grateful to have had him and miss him everyday.
Posted by: KayKay | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 07:31 PM
Love love love this tribute.
Posted by: susan | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:38 PM
That was the sweetest post ever. I almost cried because it reminds me so much of my dad. Happy Birthday to your dad!
Posted by: Nikki | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:41 PM
That is so sweet!!
Posted by: Megan @ LittleBellaBean | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Shannon's dad is a very special guy. I've been married to him for almost 39 years, and I love him more today than our wedding day. He's as great as her description.....and as funny.....and as tender......and as charming! I'm a lucky gal.
Posted by: mimi2seven | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Happy Birthday,D (Shannon's Dad). Shannon... It was great to read your tribute. And his response. It reminds me of my own Dad...We are very close as well! I envy you that you get to hug on him "whenever". Mine is many many miles away. Isn't it great to be as (ahem...) old as we are and still know that we are someone's "princess"?
Posted by: Shannon H | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Be blessed that you can celebrate with him today. I lost my precious daddy on Nov. 19th, my 36th birthday. I struggle but yet I live in his legacy.
Posted by: Jenn | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Treasure every moment Shannon! My dad has been gone for 12 years now and there isn't a day when I don't miss the dickens out of him.
Posted by: Susan | Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 05:14 AM
what a lovely tribute. I need to do the same for my mom, who's birthday is coming. TFS
Posted by: Kendra | Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 07:00 AM
What a wonderful tribute to your dad. I'm sure he was touched by your words.
1/20 was my birthday, too. I turned 44 on the day the 44th president was sworn into office!
Blessings!
Posted by: Dawn W | Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 07:53 AM
This was just so sweet to read! Happy Birthday to your Dad!
Posted by: Queen of the Click | Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 10:47 AM
This is so sweet and heart-warming! Very poet, I love it!
Posted by: Melissa | Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 11:57 AM
What a beautiful post! Makes me feel all warm and happy about my dad too! Found you by way of Something Cleverish.
Posted by: Bustie McGoo | Friday, January 23, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I'm sitting here with tears after reading this post. How blessed you are to still have your dad, and what a wonderful dad he must be! I lost mine to cancer almost 26 years ago and I still miss him so.
Posted by: Heidi Pocketbook | Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 01:31 PM
A bit late to this and I've never commented on your blog before but this post just made me sob outloud. The pregnancy hormones probably have a lot to answer for, but it also made me think of my own dad as we are approaching the 6th anniversary of his death and I would have loved for him to meet my daughter. She and hopefully this tiny unborn baby would have loved my dad and he would have loved them.
Happy belated birthday to you dad.
Posted by: Rachael | Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 03:39 PM