Since I was a kid, my dad, sister, and I have had a running joke that every year on his birthday, Dad takes a magical pill. As a result, each year, he miraculously turns the age of twelve. Never thirteen. Certainly not twenty.
It’s one of our family legends, along with tales like the phone number for the tooth fairy that he has also long claimed to have. Supposedly, I will get access to these many secrets when I am “old enough.”
among many talents, he makes the best bloody marys.
Today, my dad is celebrating his twelfth birthday for the 49th time. [If you do the math, you'll see it's a big year]. At heart, though, he is a kid: he’ll dive into 55 degree Maine waters to body surf, he’ll stay up late to watch every Yankees game or to see the end of a classic movie.
Of course, in other ways, he has a lot to show for his age. A 31-years-and-going-strong marriage, two sort-of-grown-up daughters, a successful business. Footprints around the globe, years on an Israeli kibbutz. A nearly six decade relationship with his best friend.
father-daughter bonding after a yankees game.
My dad is a sports fanatic, easily able to quote stats from the baseball encyclopedia, happily pulling his chair three feet from the television screen on Giants Sundays, contentedly observing and playing golf for hours on end. Still, he’s got a soft heart too, thoroughly enjoying romantic films, dramatic musical theater [we're seeing this one together tomorrow], or the voices of Jewel and Andrea Bocelli.
He’s a true child of the sixties: he went to Woodstock, backpacked Europe, built a record collection full of the Beatles and Rolling Stones, sported the full beard and the shaggy hair.
in vienna.
He has only one complaint in life, and that is the existence of winter. [I'm with him on that one].
And, he is the most generous person I know. In the simplest terms, my life would not be what it is without his boundless giving.
happy couple.
Of course, he adores food. He’s taught me to love food as an experience first, nourishment second. Whether we be at a casual diner or five-star restaurant, he always places bites of his meal on my bread plate, sharing with me the entertainment of taste. On one occasion, he talked my mom into ordering a special restaurant dessert, simply because he couldn’t decide between two on the menu, and he didn’t want to miss out on the experience of both.
I’ve learned a great deal about balance from his example, as he knows so intuitively what is “worth it,” never bothering with candy or store-bought cake, but always enjoying homemade desserts. He happily eats big salads many evenings, but he knows what he isn’t willing to ever give up: Pepsi, occasional corned beef sandwiches from the Jewish deli, bialys or challah at every meal.
cold and clouds don’t stop us from staying on the beach as long as possible.
Most importantly, he has instilled in me one essential lesson: there are two things that matter in life. One is our family; the other is our health.
That means: we’ve got it all. Happy birthday, Dad! I love you.
Tell me something about your dad!
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Happy Birthday to your dad!!
Something funny about my dad: He’s such a jokester. His favorite topic to joke about: farts. Such a typical guy, lol.
Your dad sounds like a great guy (all daddies are, aren’t they?)! My dad is my best friend. We have identical toes and it’s obvious I got my love of peanut butter from him…he still eats it from the jar every night after dinner!
Happy happy birthday to your dad!
my dad is the deer whisperer, I’m convinced. ha
have a fabulous friday xo
Your dad and I share a birthday! :D
I always joke that my dad is a gay man trapped in a straight man’s body. He loves going to the theatre and takes me often, leaving behind his wife and other kids, and introduced me to my now-favorite female singer-songwriters.
aww your Dad seems like a great guy.. what a sweet post :)
mad love here. i’m all about it!
fun fact about crunchy granola dad: he still sports the long hair (read: jewfro), beard and muttonchops.
This is a great tribute to your fabulous father. Happy Birthday to him! He sounds like the perfect dad :P I hope you have fun celebrating with him + seeing the show together!
Leslie that is an adorable post!! It sounds like you have so much love and respect for your Dad. My Dad seems to be a lot like yours and its nice to read about other people who have similar relationships with their parents. We are so lucky to have such great role models in our life.
And I am glad to see your Dad is a Yankee fan :) Phew.
Another thing my Dad taught me is that “attitude is everything” and its one of those lessons I will always remember in the back of my mind. We can chose to look at a situation however we want and our attitude seriously effects the happiness of our lives.
I dont have much to share. But this is a beautiful post. You are a pretty amazing person. And your dad is cute :)
This was really sweet! Hope your dad had a great day! :)
And my dad makes killer bloody mary’s too!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR DAD! :)
My dad spent most of his time playing billiards and chasing after my mom in medical school. He barely went to class but graduated in the top ten percent. I hope I inherited some of that brilliance :)
happy birthday to your daddy!!! :)
aren’t dads great ? my dad inspires me so much – he’s such a good writer and he has excellent taste in music (total beatles fanatic).
<3
This post was insanely touching and coincidental for the following reasons:
1. Your Dad seems like a wonderful man with a heart bigger than a continent. Also, it seems like he’s got some awesome stories under his belt!
2. It was my Dad’s birthday this week too! (He’s officially a senior citizen, 65.)
My Dad is incredible. I’ve yet to meet someone who has such a strong ethical code, giving heart, and intelligence. He’s supported me no matter what, and truly shown me what it means to be a selfless person.
Your post made me teary-eyed! Keep writing, you have a gift!
Can’t wait to meet you this afternoon!
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad!