Happy Birthday Dad

Dear Dad,
Have I ever mentioned you're the best dad in the whole wide world?

Remember this little gem from the past? I wrote it for your birthday when I was 9.

Sometimes Dad is mad,
Sometimes Dad is glad,
Sometimes Dad is sad,
Sometimes Dad is bad,
But still he is the best Dad.

It was the first time I ever saw you cry.

I didn't write you a poem this year, but I found a very special one for you, and a very special picture too. I think we have never seen this picture before because Grandma hid it away. You know, the teeth. And she's probably rolling over right now because not only am I bringing it out to the light of day, but I'm publishing it on the web for the world to see! But I think Grandma looks beautiful here, and look at you with your blond hair. Betcha didn't know your hair was ever that light!

The poem comes from the archives of Grandma's notes. It was published in the local newspaper, though I can't tell when because I only have a clipping pasted onto another page.

My Baby.
I will seize these precious hours
Of sunshine with my son,
And lock them safely in my heart
Till childhood days are done.

Then I will remember
My baby's smile and frown,
His small head, his tiny hands,
His eyes of shining brown.

I will seize these golden hours
Of sunshine while I can,
Soon, too soon--my baby boy
Will be a man.

Beulah Key Talbert
Carthage

So today I want to tell you I love you, I'm proud of you, and I'm honored to be your daughter.
Love,
Lori

PS to the rest of the world: My dad the retired preacher (but you know preachers don't really retire; they just find someone else to preach to) is currently in Mongolia. Take a look at his blog and check out what he's up to now!