My father already has all of the things he needs, and all of the things he wants that I could afford. So, every year I struggle with what to get him for his birthday. I've never been very good with snail mail (thank goodness for the digital age!), so the birthday cards I've bought over the years always seem to sit on my table until it's too late to get them there. I could always do a digital gift card for dinner and a movie (again), but half all the time, when they come to visit (as happened just a couple days ago), it's my dad buying us a meal, and it seems strange somehow to turn around and give him a gift certificate for a restaurant.
There are all kinds of gadgets I could buy for him, but my dad and his lovely wife live a fairly simple (uncluttered) life, and I don't want to send something just to send something. And yet, I can't just let the day go by, either. My dad is awesome, and I figured maybe something that I could give him is just a public profession of how much I love and appreciate him. He's supportive of my kids, always makes a point to bring some goody that they might appreciate when he visits, and always plans time to come when he's in the area. He mails newspaper puzzles or articles that the kids might like, which is a great way to stay connected with them.
We enjoy the outings with my dad and his wife - the trip to see the monarch butterfiles in Pismo Beach, our recent trip to the Palomar Observatory, the walks on the beach, and the kids' visit to Bubble Gum Alley in San Luis Obispo (that was quite the conversation with the kids!). These special times are treasured, and I'm not sure he always knows that.
So, Dad, on your special day, I'm thrilled to be able to tell you and the world:
Happy
Birthday!!! I love you so much, and appreciate all
you do!
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