Dad's Days...

I have been working on this post for quite some time, and was not quite sure if I was going to post it or not, but I figured if you are reading this, you already know me pretty well so why the heck wouldn't I share it:)

June is pretty much my Dad's month as it is the month of father's day and then the next week is his birthday. This year we decided not to do a big thing for either, as dad was not really up for it. So instead of presents or a party Jim and I went and visited him. As his present I decided to write him a letter telling him all the things I have ever wanted to say. Here just a few of the things I included that I am most grateful for:

Thank you for sending me to St. Thomas More. Some of my oldest and closest friends (and their families) are still a HUGE part of my life and I have known them for over 24 years now(I am only 29!). That formative education also made me eager to learn and has led to every success I have ever had, of this I am sure!

Thank your for being such a strong catholic role model for me. You never flaunt your religious background but you have always been a proud Irish Catholic and that is something I will always admire.

Thank for you for providing me with everything and anything I ever wanted or needed including: my education, my faith, unconditional love, a shoulder to cry on, a lap to sit in, a cheering section in the stands at all of my games, new cars when I broke mine, a wedding I will always cherish, a down payment on mine and Jim's house and so many other tangible and intangible things.

Thank you for showing me what a real marriage and commitment is. One that is based on faith, love, respect and hard work. I know that Jim and I will be ok because we have 4 of the best role models to base our own marriage on.

Thank you for your sense of humor-You have always been able to lighten the mood with your quick wit, and while I did not inherit it, I certainly appreciate it

Thank you for passing on your love of sports-I have impressed many people in my life with my knowledge of where people played college ball. And I believe my strong competitive side has helped me be successful in anything I have set my mind to or have a passion for.

Thank you for always believing in me and for teaching me to believe in myself. The excuse of "I'm a girl, so I can't do it" was never a reason for me to attempt something.

Thank your for listening to me and showing me that I have a voice and an important one, and when I choose to use it, that voice can have an impact.

For those of you who know my dad, you know all of these to be true and so much more. This list could go on and on, but some I want to keep between the two of us. So with that I will leave you with this cute little quote I found the other day:

The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
~Author Unknown