Happy Birthday, Papa.

Not everybody is lucky enough to have a good dad, much less an awesome one. Today is his birthday and I wanted to share some of the things that make him so awesome along with some pictures because he's so cute. He's a man of few words, but when he lets them out, they're usually funny or wise. Sometimes with a little attitude, huh Ma? 😉

So in no particular order, here are just a few.

1. Vietnam Vet. Nuff said.

2. Avid cyclist. At nearly 60 years old he took up competitive cycling to honor my brother's memory. He rode his first race in khaki shorts, and now he's standing on podiums and going on 67 mile bike rides.

3. Selfless. Selfless doesn't really cover it though. Long ago, about three and a half kids ago to be exact, we were living in Broken Arrow and had no money. Justin was in college and working when he wasn't in class. I was looking for work and caring for Nathaniel and Gabriella. Nathaniel needed a thicker coat and we didn't have the money to buy one. My dad drove the two hours to our apartment after work and brought us a hand-me-down coat from my little brother. I can't recall if he stayed the night and maybe had a bike race the next day too, but either way- he would've done that for us regardless. Nathaniel still remembers the coat Papa gave him.

I could give so many more examples to go with his selflessness and love-- like how he goes every month or so to Sand Springs to mow around the ghost bikes so that the tragedy on that highway doesn't go forgotten-- or how he worked so hard to provide for a family of 9 so that my mom could stay home with all of us-- and how he drove to Midland three times this year just to help us lay our tile floors.

Even when you're grown and married to your own amazing man, dads don't just stop being dads.

Thank you for everything you do for us, Papa. I hope you had a wonderful birthday. 💗