54

On Tuesday November 18th my Father will be 54 years old. I have been around for 24 of these years, and consider myself blessed to have him be a part of my life. Throughout my life he has taught me many lessons that have molded me into the man I am today. His actions have always matched his words. I cannot think of a time in my life that he has not lived up to something he has told me he was going to do. Ok maybe my Mom will disagree, the front porch is waiting!

Service is more than doing, it is doing something for someone else with the right attitude and the proper motive. I have never doubted once that my Father helped someone in need for the wrong reasons, he would always lovingly explain to me why I should cherish the opportunity to help others. I wasn’t always his most willing assistant; however, the lessons and memories that I learned by tagging along have paid great dividends.

Each year my understanding and love of my Father increases, I see more clearly each year just how much he sacrificed for my family and I. He put our needs over his own and gave my sister and I the best possible environment to learn and grow! I owe him more than I could ever repay in my lifetime; however, he has never once made me feel like I owed him anything. This is a great quality and a trait that should be desired of us all. It is a selfless characteristic where one helps someone unconditionally and expects zero in return. I hope that I can develop this trait as continue to learn from my Dad.

Throughout my life I have always had a best friend, he just so happens to be my Dad as well. We have had so many adventures, experiences, and memories. Over the years we have been fortunate enough to spend quality time together whether it be on the road, at a game, movies, dinner, ping pong, or zip lining. I honestly hope that i never took him for granted or all the time that we have been together!

This is to you Dad! I want you to know how much I care about you, how much I value you, and how important our time is together. I have never once wished for another Father, I truly believe that you do your absolute best for our family. The person I am today is a great testament of you as a Father, I hope that you are proud. I know I haven’t always heeded your advice but I can honestly say that I know you would never lead me astray. Not many things make me as happy as knowing that you are proud of me and who I am becoming. Each day I am going to strive to be a little better, brighten someone else’s day, and be true to myself. I know that all you want from me is my best effort. I also want to say thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to dream, I never doubted your support or love.

54 years is a long time, but I know that there are many more ahead. I am confident that the best is yet to come! Now I am going to give you a little advice! Make each day a positive one. There is no reason why your 54th year cannot be your best one yet! Take some adventures! Get Mom on an airplane and go see something you have always wanted to see. This is the time where you can truly enjoy life. If you need a co-piliot I know of someone who is always willing!

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Tyler