Happy Birthday DAD! I LOVE YOU!

My dad doesn’t need another cheesy father’s gift. Nor can we get him anything he doesn’t already have. So for his 45th birthday this year I decided I would write him a letter. A very cheesy letter! I think more than anything on his birthday, I just want him to know how much I love him.

Dear Dad,
Our family didn’t start out the traditional way. I like to think of our family as extraordinary. You met our mother when I was 5. You took us all in. Even as bratty as I was, you adopted me when I was nine. Looking back I remember how scared I was. After all I was only nine. It turned out this would be the first of many wonderful memories I have of you. I will cherish it forever. Yes, I remember the day very clearly.
You have been at every important turning event in my life, baptisms, sporting events, graduation, etc. I have many wonderful memories growing up. The Daddy Daughter Date, where we played games, had dinner, and even danced. I still have the souvenir. The bean bag Mom made for us to take. Every time my kids are playing with it. A huge smile comes across my face. It just makes me happy! You made are childhood a happy one.
You were our little league coach, and you really enjoyed being there. You love being around your family even still today. You always want us all there, even the grandkids. Especially the grandkids! They love their Papa, and our so lucky to have you.
You always make us laugh no matter the circumstances. Even when you are the butt of the joke. You don’t mind, so long as everyone is laughing. “Remember that time dad fell off the bed at Disneyland”. Honestly, I don’t think I remember anything else about that vacation.
You are a very hard worker, and always have been. We always had a roof over our head, and plenty to eat. Even in the hardest times, you and mom always provided for us. We were always safe, and that in itself is irreplaceable. I really consider myself one of the luckiest people alive, for this simple fact alone. “Dang, we are so not dysfunctional.”
Lastly, but honestly the greatest thing you have ever given all three of us was to Love our mother unconditionally. What more could a daughter ask for. No marriage is perfect, no marriage is easy. This we don’t learn until we are in one. But you love our mother, we could never deny that. Thank you, I love you.

Your favorite daughter,

Lori

My dad, Me (around 8 or 9 I'm guessing),My sister Janet. Sorry Jo you weren't born yet. I remember Dad was usually the one to take us tricker treating. I think that's why I always shirk this responsibility to Richard.