Dad's Birthday
So today I was able to celebrate my Dad's birthday with the family. I wanted to give him something more than just what he wanted. Below is a "speech" I said to him.
February 18, 2007
Dear Dad,
First, let me start out with saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You are quite difficult to shop for - always have been. Sure, I got what you asked for. But I wanted to surprise you in some way that let's you know how much you mean to me and this family. In this bag, you will see some interesting things that represent what you mean to me. I hope it shows at least a fraction of the meaning you give us everyday.
You'll see lots of cards in this bag. You see, I couldn't find any one card that would represent the words I know that would describe you. This is a day to celebrate your birth. By you being in my life, I have become a person who has gotten far. Without you, I'm not sure where I would be. You make me so proud everyday. By choosing to love mom the way you do, it shows me that great love is possible even during bumps in the relationship road. The words in these cards are just an attempt to express how powerful of a guy you are in our lives. Let me tell you about the other things in this bag.
The flashlight represents the light you offer. In dark times, or mental power outages, you happen to be the one giving us the direction needed. Your laughter is a part of the brightness that shines on us. You have a truly awesome way of looking at the bright side of life. This flashlight is an attempt to represent what light you give.
The power strip represents a few things about you. Like this object, you act to keep our energies connected. When a surge of emotional energy floods, you know how to not let us break down. And during any storm, people depend on surge protectors to keep items safe. I'd say you are very dependable and have always kept me safe.
The grounded power cord is a representation of the love you extend to so many everyday. Your love is grounded in beliefs that I know I've come to share. For example, I think it's fair to say you believe that people are generally good, and to help them in times of need. I know when I do small things for people I come in contact with (hold doors, help older people, shovel neighbors out, etc.), they all remark how good of a person I am. I only respond with: "Thanks. It's the way I was brought up." So true. Dad, I hope you're beginning to realize that the impact you've had on me is being shown to the everyday person. I can certainly see how mom would want you to be a pastor. You are a strong influence on a lot of people - just by being you and the beliefs you hold.
The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser shows how I feel you act when there is an utter mess we all deal with. You are like the bald, smiley guy who happens to clean and erase all the crappy chaos we happen to make or encounter. Where would we be with you?
The flash cards and permanent marker are symbols of two powerful things you give. The flash cards, to me, are the instant knowledge and wisdom you give me when I need it. And like flashcards, I can refer to what you teach me, often. The permanent marker is the bold and ever-lasting statements and acts you you've said and done. In addition, it shows the permanent love we will always have marked on us by your strong dedication.
The rest of the items in the bag are candy and cashews. I know you like that stuff. But I guess they would represent how sweet you are to us and the kind of nut you are. We love you, more than any of these items show. There are probably more things I should have bought to show what you mean to us. But what items can say that Doug Reeder is a patient, caring, strong and wonderful mentor, father, husband and friend to us? Let me know, and I'll make sure to get them.
Happy Birthday Dad! We all love you.
February 18, 2007
Dear Dad,
First, let me start out with saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You are quite difficult to shop for - always have been. Sure, I got what you asked for. But I wanted to surprise you in some way that let's you know how much you mean to me and this family. In this bag, you will see some interesting things that represent what you mean to me. I hope it shows at least a fraction of the meaning you give us everyday.
You'll see lots of cards in this bag. You see, I couldn't find any one card that would represent the words I know that would describe you. This is a day to celebrate your birth. By you being in my life, I have become a person who has gotten far. Without you, I'm not sure where I would be. You make me so proud everyday. By choosing to love mom the way you do, it shows me that great love is possible even during bumps in the relationship road. The words in these cards are just an attempt to express how powerful of a guy you are in our lives. Let me tell you about the other things in this bag.
The flashlight represents the light you offer. In dark times, or mental power outages, you happen to be the one giving us the direction needed. Your laughter is a part of the brightness that shines on us. You have a truly awesome way of looking at the bright side of life. This flashlight is an attempt to represent what light you give.
The power strip represents a few things about you. Like this object, you act to keep our energies connected. When a surge of emotional energy floods, you know how to not let us break down. And during any storm, people depend on surge protectors to keep items safe. I'd say you are very dependable and have always kept me safe.
The grounded power cord is a representation of the love you extend to so many everyday. Your love is grounded in beliefs that I know I've come to share. For example, I think it's fair to say you believe that people are generally good, and to help them in times of need. I know when I do small things for people I come in contact with (hold doors, help older people, shovel neighbors out, etc.), they all remark how good of a person I am. I only respond with: "Thanks. It's the way I was brought up." So true. Dad, I hope you're beginning to realize that the impact you've had on me is being shown to the everyday person. I can certainly see how mom would want you to be a pastor. You are a strong influence on a lot of people - just by being you and the beliefs you hold.
The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser shows how I feel you act when there is an utter mess we all deal with. You are like the bald, smiley guy who happens to clean and erase all the crappy chaos we happen to make or encounter. Where would we be with you?
The flash cards and permanent marker are symbols of two powerful things you give. The flash cards, to me, are the instant knowledge and wisdom you give me when I need it. And like flashcards, I can refer to what you teach me, often. The permanent marker is the bold and ever-lasting statements and acts you you've said and done. In addition, it shows the permanent love we will always have marked on us by your strong dedication.
The rest of the items in the bag are candy and cashews. I know you like that stuff. But I guess they would represent how sweet you are to us and the kind of nut you are. We love you, more than any of these items show. There are probably more things I should have bought to show what you mean to us. But what items can say that Doug Reeder is a patient, caring, strong and wonderful mentor, father, husband and friend to us? Let me know, and I'll make sure to get them.
Happy Birthday Dad! We all love you.