Birthday words to my dad.

2016

Happy 79th birthday to my handsome dad. I've been emotional all day thinking about him and what he means to me. Facebook's "on this day" feature is a blessing and awful all at the same time. I have always written a big post about his birthdays. Each year they are more sappy and more bittersweet. I'm so thankful for him. And I'm so glad he still can fit in the same shirt from when he was in high school.  (kidding of course but don't they look the same?!) 

2015

Happy 78th birthday to my favorite dad in the whole wide world. I love the way he loves me and am so proud of how he has adjusted to this new life he has. He may not remember all the things but he sure can laugh and tease with the best of us. So grateful for him and his big heart.

2014

Happy 77th birthday to my amazing dad. When I called him this morning, I sang to him over the phone, while he giggled because I (intentionally) messed up the words. He said *I* should celebrate his birthday by taking a nap and eating some good food, and he would do the same. There are so many things I love about him, but one of my favorite things is his outlook, a tinge of sentiment and a lot of humor. Last week we talked about getting older. And, like he always does, he says to me, "Joni, here's what I always say... Consider the alternative." He just takes one day at a time, and his life looks pretty simple to him. He takes care of my momma (and vice versa) and loves her so much. He takes his walks. He naps. Sometimes he reads, though that's getting too difficult. And he loves all of us coming in and out of the house to care for them. There are days that I am with him that I hear the same stories 10 times in a row. He doesn't even realize it, and tells the stories each time with the same gusto. It is hard to see him slipping away, but the amazing thing is, I don't honestly know if I have ever seen him happier. Just content. At peace. In love with my momma. He's more affectionate than I ever remember him being as I was growing up. Or maybe I am. He's such a good influence and I am beyond grateful for his love. And for him holding my hand. And picking me flowers. And showing me his rock collection. Because every one of those things is a memory I will cherish forever.

2013

Happy birthday to my amazing Dad. He inspires me everyday with the grace and humor he uses to handle this new hard phase of life. He inspires me to love people with my whole heart. We have so many little inside jokes that make me smile. Like the one where he asks me how old is turning and I say 25 instead of 76. (Favorite child? I think so...) I love that we hold hands. And I love that you still always come out to meet me when I get to your house. I love that you tease me about moving back home because you hate the days when I am not there. I love that sometimes we laugh until we cry together, and how sometimes we just cry together. I love that you tell me every time I am with you how much I mean to you. I'm thankful for all the moments we share, big and little. Love you, sweet Dad.

2012

Happy 75th birthday to my sweet dad who has always been my biggest fan. Taking him out for breakfast this morning with my brother to celebrate. Family: please give him a quick call today. It will make his day.

2011

Line of the day: "Joni, thank you for my birthday lunch. I'm so glad we decided to let you be born..." ME too, Dad, me too.