June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!! It is difficult for me to articulate how much I love, admire, and look up to you as a father, mentor, and friend. It all started when I discovered that you were the dispenser of tiny morsels of chocolate, otherwise known as chocolate chips, and all I had to do was tug on your pant leg, hold my hand out, and a magic morsel would appear…I knew that you would always provide everything that I needed…and you have!! Alas, I think that you knew your fate when you witnessed your first live birth, inconvenienced by time and money, to be one of the most priceless moments in life and an instant bond was formed!! I am grateful for the annual birthday phone calls to remind me of the inconvenience because it keeps me humble and grateful for wonderful parents who sacrificed so much for all of us and raised us to be an independent, motivated, and successful individuals.

It would not be an appropriate tribute to you without making a top ten list of things that I learned from the best dad in the whole world…so here it goes:

1. Goal setting: You taught me to make long-term, short-term, and daily goals, which has been a constant guide in my life.
2. Travel: You encourage me to see the world and to enjoy each place for its unique culture. I am particularly grateful for your affinity for Hawaii =)
3. Dream big: You inspire me to dream big and find out what life has to offer!
4. Diaries: You motivate me by example to keep a journal and a daily diary to document my thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences.
5. Entertainment: You enjoy the finer things of life, and by nature of my genetic & environmental influence, so do I!
6. Learning: Your pursuit of knowledge is one of the greatest influences in my life because I know that it is never too late to learn, go back to school, or change careers!
7. Bonding: You spend one-on-one time with each of us and I appreciate and value those opportunities (i.e. "life" chats, kick-off classic, NYC, Baltic cruise, etc.)
8. Love: You express your love and appreciation for each of us, which has blessed my life. Thank you!
9. Determination: You taught me to be strong-willed, to believe in myself, and to pursue the path that makes me happy.
10. Football: Thank you for sharing your love of the game!! Some of my greatest memories involve football games with you. I remember the pride on your face when you would quiz me, at age six, about football facts in front of your friends and I knew the answers!!

I am so grateful to have wonderful parents, fabulous siblings, next to perfect b.i.l and s.i.l, and adorable nephews!! I cannot imagine my life without you and I am so grateful for my wonderful family. Thanks again for being an amazing father, mentor, friend, and "kindred spirit"!

I love you,

Sharyn (a.k.a: m&m)