With Dad celebrating my 41st birthday.
My father turns 75 today. He didn’t want much fanfare about the event, typical dad, just a low-key evening. Tomorrow my brother and I are taking him to dinner. We’ve got him a gift, but I had a special gift that I was hoping he’d receive.
Birthday card from Steve Wozniak!
Back on Day 236 I wrote to Apple co-founder and computer engineering genius Steve Wozniak and asked him to send my father a birthday greeting. I was getting ready to be a bit sour and share how disappointed I am that Woz failed to come through. But, my father picked up his mail today and said he got the card from Woz!!! Awesome! He was so happy – a special gift that money cannot buy.
If Woz can send Dad a card, then I sure as hell better send him one too! If you know my father, you’ll appreciate this one.
Dad
Today marks your 75th year – quite an achievement. You’ve done a lot in your life.
You have been a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. You have succeeded in both your personal and professional lives.
You’ve made me laugh hard and often.
You have the distinct ability to make processes more complicated.
You’ve sacrificed so much to give us the life we’ve had.
You smile and laugh at yourself with ease.
You’re really stubborn.
Dad and me – circa 1980
You sometimes make this slight but noticeable scowl where your lower lip curls upward.
You’re not afraid to show your affection for those you love.
You would live forever if eating Dairy Queen Buster Bars, chips & salsa and a fistful of vitamins were the key ingredients to a healthy life
You are one of the least critical and judgemental parents that I know.
You have interesting and innovative ideas – you are the original MacGyver.
You always have time for me.
You make up more sayings than anyone I know.
You are the original storyteller.
You taught me how to discretely transport booze in a guitar case.
It’s true, you are many things. And you will always be my father and I will always love you more than I ever show.
Happy 75th birthday Dad.
Love,
Jason