Saturday, November 22, 2008

My Dad

I just wanted to let my dad know how much I love him. He just turned 71 on the 11th of November, and I don't want him to have any more birthdays! We can just pick a day to pay tribute to him without him getting any older - he's perfect right now!

My dad is amazing! He has been a great example to me when I was a child, an obnoxious teen, and even today. I never stop learning from him. No, he's not perfect (sorry, dad), but he continues to try just like the rest of us. I love the way he loves my mom! I remember when I was about 12, and we'd go Christmas shopping for mom. He always wanted her to have nice things, whether clothing or things for the house. He would pile me up with clothes he had picked out for her, and I would literally have sore muscles the next day from carrying everything around the store. (usually JCPenney) He still treats her wonderfully, and continues to want to provide nice things for her. I always love reading the cards he writes to my mom, they are the sweetest!

My dad also loves my kids and my husband. My kids love going over to visit with them. Taylor will go there at the drop of a hat, and I know she is always welcomed there with love - she knows it too. Even the teens, Avery and Erin, can go over and enjoy time with grandpa. They can talk sports all day. Avery is so impressed with his knowledge of pretty much any sport out there. He and Erin are also kind enough to spend time watching the Civil War shows grandpa records for them. We all have to put in our time down in his room - even Avery and Erin respect that.

When dad had his heart attack in May, and we went through not so fun stuff, it was so scary. I'm relieved to know that he continues to take care of himself so we won't have to go without a daddy for any longer than is necessary. I'm also relieved to know that we can be together as a family for eternity. Thanks, dad, for giving us that most amazing gift. I love you more than I can say!


We celebrated daddy's birthday at his favorite Mexican restaurant in Tremonton, El Parrel. Here he is, his handsome 71 year old self with half of his beautiful children. Tracy, Jon, and Stefanie. We missed the others, but understand you can't be everywhere!

Dad and Stef back in June - see how much he loves us!
Dad and Jen, he is so sweet, he is trying to share his oxygen.
Here he is posing for another picture, and we all know how much he hates that!!!

And finally, being the best patient ever. Giving us the "thumbs up" sign and showing his ever positive attitude.
I love you daddy!!!!!



4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Sweet Tracy - such a beautiful tribute to your Dad. Yes, it has been quite a year, but that made his 71st birthday even more important and special. It was really fun to be with some of you (we missed the others) but Dad had a good time. He is so important to our whole family and when I see those hospital pictures it makes me even more thankful that we are together and that's why I even went out today and helped decorate the house with Christmas lights. Yea, we did it in warm weather. Love you Tracy - Mom

Our Newman 6 said...

Tracy I ahave been having lots of thoughts on my dad also his b-day is in November also. I am like you so GRATEFUL to have our dads around. They are the best there is something special with daddy's and their girls. Tell the family Hi from the Newmans. Love ya!

Anonymous said...

I love the post, Trace. I'm glad you finally did it! :) Dad is special, it doesn't hurt us to tell him once in a while. He's kinda cute, too.

Love you guys!
Stef

btw- that last picture, thumbs up? I don't think so!! ;)

Anonymous said...

Tracy,
That was such an awesome tribute to your dad!! I love that you call him daddy, it shows what a great relationship you must have!!