Yup, now you know his initials, DWS.

When I was a kid and I saw manhole covers in the street, I thought it was my dad…Department of Water Services…DWS! Cool, huh?

When I was a kid, I thought my dad was the bees knees, that hasn’t changed.

When I was a kid, my dad was my hero…nothing has changed.

When I was a kid, my dad kissed my boo-boos, cleaned and bandaged my skinned knees…nothing has changed.

When I was a kid, my dad listened to my problems and told me everything would be ok…nothing has changed. [thank goodness!]

When I was a kid, my dad was my biggest champion, telling anyone, and me, that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to…nothing has changed.

When I was a kid, my dad would make me laugh so hard I would pee in my pants…nothing has changed [that last part is unfortunate, ha ha].

When I was a kid, my dad would listen to my bad jokes and laugh…nothing has changed.

When I was a kid, my dad would recommend books and movies and music, nothing has changed.

When I was a kid, my dad would take us to Burger King and let us eat junk food when mom was out…nothing has changed.

When I was a kid, my dad and I would laugh at the same silly things…nothing has changed.

When I was a kid, my dad introduced us to art, music, opera, theater…today, nothing has changed.

I could go on and on and on, how much time do you have? I should really say our dad because GES and I share the same DNA and amazing experiences with our dad. My dad is still one of the first people I call with news, both good and bad, because he can help make the bad bearable.

How awesome is my dad…let me count the ways…one, two, three…ha ha. Yes friends, you have permission to blame him for my warped sense of humor!

When I was young, my dad was ten feet tall, figuratively, and to a wee tot, literally, as I have grown older, only the height has changed, not my opinion.

I talk to my dad every day and if I don’t, I feel lost, literally until I get to talk to him the next day. He gives great advice, sometimes sought after and sometimes not, but when he gets going, look out!

My dad is an amazing man, he is the world’s best grandfather or papa, as he is affectionately called, nothing slows him down, he’s enjoying being retired to the fullest, no moss growing on him!

I know I’ve told you different things about him from time to time in a post, he’s a page turner! There is so much and not enough reward!

I will leave you with this. I value and treasure my dad and the relationship, and I have felt this way for almost 44 years, think anything is going to change? I sure hope not!

Happiest of happy birthdays…papa, papa D…to one of my favorite people, I hope this year brings you joy and happiness, all that your heart can hold.

Happy birthday! XOXO