Make Someone Happy

we were cute

(sorry the photos are so messed up)

Forty-one years ago, I walked into an exchange that my sorority was having with a fraternity at the University of Utah and met the really spectacular man whose birthday my entire family is celebrating. Yep, that'd be my husband. The six-decades-old-today, basketball-playing, National Park-hiking grandpa who still has my full attention.

When I met him, he wasn't even 19 yet. I'd turned 16 three or four months earlier, a detail I chose not to mention because being a couple of years younger than everyone else in my freshman class was a matter of considerable embarrassment to me. Fortunately, the unwitting cradle robber didn't figure out my true age until several months later, and by then he was hooked. (heehee)

The point is, Dave and I go back a long way. We have history. LOTS of it. In fact, I've been with him for 2/3 of my life, which is a pretty hefty portion. So hefty that my little bro doesn't even remember me as a separate entity without him. Pretty crazy. (Note to brother: Blood is blood, dude...You know where your true and overriding allegiance must lie.)

But I digress. This is about my husband. The birthday boy! The one who really knows what Jimmy Durante is singing about here. You see, Dave has been making this someone happy for so many years we should probably quit counting them. And we may. But probably not till we hit our 50th. (I ♥ a good party!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVE!

I love you.

quite madly

=)

A few comments from Big Daddy Dave's own kids:

"It's cool that Dad is 60 years old and still plays basketball with us. I've always enjoyed the imaginative things he comes up with, like stories and treasure hunts with the kids, the magic tree, and all those great things that make home feel even more magical. One of my best memories of him is going to Petit Park and watching him play softball, getting Big League chew and waiting for the ice cream man while watching him in the outfield. I also remember him being the basketball coach of our youth team and waiting up to watch the recorded Laker games with him when they were champs in the 80s. Dad is a perfect example of someone who can be counted on. He is always reliable and dependable and steady" (Matt).

"There are so many great things about Dad. He is thoughtful, funny, and works very hard so that he is able to help us when we need it. He puts his all into everything he does. He really is just the best dad in the whole, wide world, and I am grateful for everything he has done for me" (Karin).

"My own dad is an example of who I want to be and what I want to represent. That's not true for many people" (Ryan).

"I feel so lucky to have him for my dad. I realize that I would not be where I am or who I am today without him. The way he supports his family is such a strong example to me of the father I want to be" (Todd).

And now, a word from his other kids...the ones he got by marriage:

"I admire him for the great example of a husband and father is to me. I also thank him for fathering a wonderful daughter" (Bob).

We'll close with Heather, because she wrote a little poem for the big guy:

"Dads should be:

gentle

loving

caring

funny

playful

storytellers

steady

sure

dependable

strong

hard working

priesthood holders

examples

nothing short of HERO

and I know ONE that is...

Happy Birthday to my Hero, Dad (well, by marriage anyhow)

LOVE YOU ALL THE WAY TO THE MOON (as my kids would say).

I'm guessing the feeling is mutual, Heather.

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Happy Easter to all of my great readers. If you are looking for something

a little more Easter-ish, please visit my two prior posts (both new poems)

"The Man of Galilee" and "The Easter Bunny's Tale."

May joy and peace be yours as you celebrate this wonderful season!