Saturday, April 3, 2010

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)

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

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Such a wonderful birthday tribute Sue. He must be amazing...because he married you!

Lisalulu said...

what a great tribute. You know how to 'write 'em, (and pick them)

karen said...

To Dave: *singing loudly a little off key*
"Happy Birthday To You-u-u-u!" Through Sue's blog I almost feel like I know you. Have a wonderful day, and best wishes for many, many more! I am right behind you on the route to 60!
Sue: Happy Easter, my friend. Bite off a chocolate bunny's ears for me. I don't think LaMar got me one, nor should he have! I am quite fluffy enough. My VT got me some peeps, and I am making Easter Conference Cupcakes. Sweet!

VK said...

Happy Birthday too the awesome Bish.
You and he both picked well it seems.
Good job.

Serene is my name, not my life! said...

That was just about the coolest post ever! Happy birthday to your hubby!

Darlene said...

He's one of my favorite people in the whole world. I love him as if he were my very own, always have, always will. Who could ask for a better eternal companion for my perfectly wonderful daughter.

I love to hold him up to my doctor as to what a person his age should be like, especially the playing basketball. My doctor is the same age as Dave and he so regrets not being able to play basketball as he used to. I keep telling him he should lose at least ten pounds and take care of his bad knee and he too could be like Dave. He is the greatest!! I hope he liked his tie (the first one I have ever given him, I might add)

Heather Anderson said...

Such and inspiring post, and your children seem very sharp. Particularly Matt. I really enjoyed his comments.

Respectfully Submitted,

Matthew D. Anderson

Jess said...

AAW- Sue you are so cute- that's awesome that he still plays basketball and hikes,etc,etc. but most of all I'm amazed at the tributes your children gave about him- that really is a good way to know you've done right- and how well you've treated your family. It's apparent he is a great hub/dad/gramp

Kristin said...

Uncle Dave is the best! Tell him happy belated bday for me!

Darlene said...

I also needed to comment on all of the kids writing neat things about Dave. He is an exceptional father and I know they are totally aware of this, and how fortunate they are to have such a neat dad, but it is extra nice to see it expressed so lovingly here.

Amy said...

"I love you quite madly" just made me melt completely. That is so sweet, and I love your story. I hope the birthday was a wonderful one.

Our family chaos said...

I love seeing that picture of you guys! So cute and sweet that you love each other so much after all these years. I love that your UTE lovers too!