happy birthday to you.

Today would have been my daddy's 49th birthday. 

This is the man who taught me what real love is.

He taught me that a few words will mean so much less than all your actions ever will.

That I shouldn't - don't deserve to - drive a car without knowing how it works first.

There is a difference between a Phillips and a flathead screwdriver, and I should know what it is.

I know that math actually applies to my everyday life.

He taught me the value of a dollar.

And the value of working hard for a dollar.

And, most importantly, the value of generously giving that valuable dollar that I worked so hard for.

He taught me the proper way to make coffee.

That singing at the top of your lungs is the most efficient way to have the time of your life.

By the time I was in kindergarten I could rapid-fire titles and artists of many songs on the local classic rock station. He taught me that too.

I know that NASCAR is not just for rednecks, thanks to him.

I learned that reading is a fun pastime.

He taught me that education doesn't just happen in school, and that I damn well better be getting an education until the day I die.

But, just in case, I should take in all the "book learning" I can manage.

He showed me that I can make my own path. 
And it will probably be better than the path anyone else has for me.

I learned through him that I can be strong when it seems like everything is going wrong.

I know how to be independent. I can take care of myself. 

I also know how to find the people who make me happy.
He showed me how important it is to laugh every day. Every day.

He showed me that life is too short to wait for happiness to come around. 
He taught me to make my own happiness, and work hard for it.

He taught me to live like I could die tomorrow. Because I could.


I got all this in eleven years. I can only imagine where I would be today -almost 22 years old-if he were still here.

I love you, daddy. We miss you every day. 

Love,

Your little girl