Hail to the Chief!

My Father the man who. . .

• Believed in not picking someone up when they were down, but teaching them how to get up on their own.
• Said the day begins when the sun comes up. If you sleep in past the sun, you've missed most of the day.
• Talked me out of "taking a year off" between high school and college, because he knew no good would come of it. I am sure he was right. 
• Spoke honestly to me, never sugar coating life lessons.
• Always has something to say.
• Respects everyone he met no matter their race, belief or status in life.
• Enjoys wearing spandex a little too much.
• Is affectionately known as Chief.
• Can go on a 5 hour hike and know 2 of the 3 people we see the entire time.
• Took in stride every phone call which included the phrase "Erin needs to go to the hospital. . ."
• Believed everything would be okay if you just "shake it off".
• Loves unconditionally.
• Has literally never met a stranger.
• Read Withering Heights because his daughter wanted too.
• Danced with me in the kitchen when I was 4 and still dances with me now.
• Went to the ballet.
• Played the guitar and sang "oldies" to us in the bathtub.
• Is remembered for being at every baseball game, track meet, cross country race, bible drill, concert choir performance, swim meet, soccer game, drama performance, basketball game, spelling bee (obviously not for me), Nutcracker, softball game, dance and piano recital, volleyball games, graduation, awards banquet, and any other time he was needed.
• Doesn't sleep.
• Gave me away at my wedding.
• Is the father of 3, Chief of 7 and counting.
• Is beautiful bald.
• Had a heart attack while riding his bike but refused to stop.
• Won every foot race in the backyard.
• Does everything with integrity. 
• Encouraged us to be whatever we wanted to be.
• Taught us nothing is worth doing if you are not going to give it 110%. 
• Has a faith in God which is amazing to watch and experience.
• Knows someone everywhere he goes locally or abroad.
• Took us to every battle field possible.
• Knows a vast amount of useless knowledge.
• I am proud and honored to call my father.

Happy 60th Birthday Chief!