Happy Birthday, Dad.

Miss you, everyday.

 

Thanks for teaching me:

to smell trees,

to notice the number of pine needles in a bunch,

that watching birds for their entertainment value is a noble pursuit,

to enjoy walking on dirt paths before they're gone,

to drink strong coffee,

to appreciate ugly dogs,

to overhaul an entire engine by myself,

to dig roots music and Johnny Cash and The Beatles 'cuz those boys can PLAY (even if they needed some gawd-damned haircuts),

how to shave,

that flying the FLAG doesn't label you as a conservative but shows you remembered other's sacrifices for your right to not fly one,

to help the other guy,

not to be afraid of getting dirty and sweaty while you're working but try to find a job where you don't have to. Much.

the lawn will wait - watching the sunset won't,

to laugh until your teeth fall out and you fart in front of company - and my dates,

driving at a reasonably safe speed is a requirement to driving longer in life,

guns have nothing to do with being a man - but bb guns are fun as hell,

that if you want to dig ditches to pay the rent be the best sumbitch on the crew,

that once you make love to a woman you won't want to give it up,

seconds on banana pudding is necessary,

fishing has nothing to do with catching,

how to build a house,

and to love fiercely.

 

See you on the other side. Bait the hook and put on the coffee pot. Be there in a blink of an eye.

 

 

Done