Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Happy Birthday, Dad!

My Dad is my role model and hero. Always has been, even when I was a young and dumb, unruly punk. I know some of you are questioning whether any of that has actually changed. I hope the answer is yes. He is the gentle, quiet-strength-type. Never says a bad word about anybody. That is THE one quality that I have always admired about him the most. I have NEVER, and I honestly mean NEVER, heard him utter a negative word about anyone. I certainly can't come even CLOSE to boasting that. He has always been calm under pressure, smartly and wisely thinks things through before coming to any conclusions or decisions, and has the wisdom of Solomon, the patience of Job, and the heart of David.

He and my Mom have wintered down in southern Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, Alamo to be exact, since his retirement in 2000. They're having the time of their life with new friends they've made over the years down there, which I think I am probably more tickled for them than they are themselves.

I have a multitude of great memories of camping, fishing, and hunting trips from their sacrifices when my sister and I were younger. I have images of the Titan Mountains reflecting off the placid mirror-like waters of Jackson Lake at sunrise just after the morning mist has burned off seared in my mind, black bear in the Great Smokey Mountains, the repetitive view of the Lincoln Memorial from the highway we were trying to get off of to get to it to see it up close, my girls seeing Mickey Mouse for the first time at Disney World, my first taste of salt water from the Atlantic Ocean, the taste of freshly caught smelt, salmon, walleye, and perch after another great fish outing with the best fishing buddy ANYONE could ever have, and many have, and SO many more memories.

So, here's to you, Dad, on your birthday and every day! Thanks for all the great experiences and memories, and those yet to come. I admire, respect, and love you more than you'll ever know! Cheers!

Happy birthday!

Sadly, today also marks the one year anniversary of the death of Tammy's last living grandma, Grandma Lane, aka to us Gene, Gene, the Dancing Machine. We think of you often Grandma and, are happy you are resting and rejoicing in Heaven with Grandpa for eternity now. Have a shot and a beer for us with him. We miss you.

7 comments:

Jim said...

Rick:

Sounds like you have an awesome relationship with your dad--good for you! I lost my dad 4 years ago and I still miss him. He is my "running buddy" though, so I still get to talk to him...and I also know he's home with the Lord, so I'll be with him again soon.

Having said that, enjoy your relationship and make great memories now, instead of having regrets in the future.

Jim

Anonymous said...

I'm at a loss for words. All I can say is "Thank You" for now. It's been a great day...... Thanks again.... Dad....

Zoomy said...

All the coolest people have their birthdays in Feb. Sounds like your dad is no exception to the rule.

:D

k

Sara McCarty said...

Happy Birthday, Rick's Dad!! Sounds like an amazing man. He's really never said a bad thing about anyone? Wow, I'm impressed! I can go weeks without saying one nice thing! :) Maybe even months!

Sara

Rick said...

Great advice, Jim. I think we all waste a lot of time in our relationships here. Life is but a vapor my friend.

You're welcome, Dad. You're the best and I am very thankful for you.

Apparently you are right, Zoomie! Everyone I know that was born in February are awesome... like Washington and Lincoln, oh, and you ain't so bad either. ;-)

Sara, I don't believe a word of that... even if you ARE an attorney. Ok, well maybe in your job you say bad stuff about people, but otherwise, I don't buy it! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Dad and I were both moved by your greetiing to Dad. I agree - he is an awesome guy, and I'm so grateful for him! Love ya! Mom

Anonymous said...

Great post about your Dad. I should have waited to read this when I got home, it's not cool tearing up at work in front of the guys you work with.

From what I know of your Dad he definately is the type of person to look up to. He raised a son that has a truely authentic character and is also a father (and friend) to look up to.

Happy Birthday Dad Velich!

Love ya
Jeremy