Happy Birthday Dad

The greatest man I know. When I say I love you, dad, it isn't enough for a father like you. Some words in the heart have never been written, and they never will... they're just felt. It's like feeling many things at once, a peaceful evening breeze blowing through my room after a hard day at work, looking at giant oak trees on a hike, listening to the birds sing in the early morning, and a constant feeling of my character being known and appreciated all my life by you. You always try to view us through God's eyes. What a great example. You admit you are not perfect, which teaches humbleness and that it is okay to make mistakes. You know me and answer my questions with patience, love, concern, and honesty. There are no words to capture all that I feel for you, dad; if there were a word, it would only grow in its spectacular definition as we are growing older. It would be the most beautiful word ever written. You have never broken my heart, so there has also been a great reassurance of love in my life, and there still is. I will always have your unconditional love and respect, and I will never be alone in this world. Your love for me is unchanging. I hope you know that even though I am just one of 5 of your children that I love you so much, that if we all love you with that same amount of love, well then... you are a very blessed dad. Thank you for believing in my abilities, my talents and for appreciating even the littlest gifts I have from God. I see them more clearly because you shine a light on them and help me understand that they have value and that I can do a great deal that is worthy if I keep working at it and never give up. I love you for that lesson in my life. Your Loving Daughter Jennifer (Shannon)