I am not one that likes to remember the day a loved one died however I enjoy celebrating their lives on their birthday.  Today is the anniversary of when my dad was born.

He was a great dad. He worked hard and still took the time to take us on adventures. I really love Fridays. Of course, I like them because it was the end of the school or work week and beginning of the weekend BUT for me I feel in love with them because many times growing up my dad would come home on a Friday and he and my Mom would pack us all up and we would go on an adventure.  I would love it when that adventure took us to New York to visit our grand parents because when we drove there the lights on the oil tanks in Delaware and Jersey looked magical. In the daytime, not so much (smile). Weekend adventures were so much fun and most spontaneous.  I still enjoy these spontaneous adventures and love that my sons go on adventures with my grandchildren and their beautiful wives.

Like all parents my dad wasn't perfect but he was extraordinary. He had a fascinating life before getting married and created a wonderful life for us. It is fun the things I remember and treasure. My dad was a gentleman.  

It is with great pride that I see many of the qualities I admired in my dad now in my sons. Tom and Jim are each gentlemen. They are hard workers who care about the people they work with. They are devoted to their wives and are positive role models for their children. They have a strong faith, integrity and a good worth ethic. They truly love their families and are devoted to their happiness. These are the qualities I saw in my dad. Plus they know how to laugh and have fun. I can't help but smile when I think of my dad's laugh. He had a fun "ornery" streak too. I shall always remember him squirting some lemon juice into my Mom's coffee while we were at the Elm's Restaurant in Erwin, Tennessee. She didn't see him and thought the cream had gone bad. He tried to act innocent but ended up giggling and then laughing out loud. I am blessed to have lots and lots of happy memories.