Happy Birthday, Dad!

Dad would have been 57 today and I can’t help but think of what he might have done with the last 22 years of his life.  Since my dad was a wild soul much like myself, I know that we got robbed of all the creative genius he would have brought into the world.  I imagine if he were still here, he’d probably grunt about getting older and blast the music just a little bit louder to remind himself of his youth. Today, I celebrate despite his absence because his life was a blessing to all those he knew and loved.

I’ll be 32 this year on my birthday which is just 3 years short of the time we were gifted with him.  I know it’s irrational, but I can’t help but think of all the things I’d like to accomplish before 35 – you know, just in case.  Even though I learned at a young age that people can leave us at any time, it’s still incredibly odd to be approaching the same age that my dad was when he left us.  When I was a kid, I never thought I’d make it 35 and now that it’s just around the corner, it’s giving me a bit of anxiety.

This year my gift to dad is a promise that I’ll live every day to the fullest because if I only get 35 years, I want to make the same impact that he did.  He left a legacy with me and everyone he knew by simply being the very best of us.  I’m thankful to be a product of him and have the opportunity to carry on that legacy.  So that’s what I’ll do today and every day  – no matter how much time I am gifted with.

Happy Birthday, Dad.  I’ll blast the MeatLoaf a little bit louder for you today and eat an extra piece of chocolate cake.  Tomorrow, I’ll wake up thankful for another day with a goal of positively impacting those around me in your honor.  I’ll continue to explore the world with you as my co-pilot and carry on your memory for all the days I have left.  Thank you for all the impact you had on my life in just 10 short years. I love you forever.

P.S. Special shout out for the untamed hair, tiny ears and giant forehead.  No one can ever claim that I’m not your child.