To my dad, on his birthday! Happy birthday, Dad!! Wishing you the best day! Before I begin, yes, I know, we just celebrated my mom’s birthday two weeks ago. And I celebrated my birthday a few weeks before her. Probably what I didn’t share is that we celebrate seven birthdays in five weeks. Fortunately, we have almost completed birthday season. Nearly a three week break until the next one!
Dad, one of my favorite memories growing up were our rides. During my 8th grade year, you bought your very first horse, Kodak, which I was able to name. (Do you think it was fate I became a photographer?) Soon followed a sweet, yet ornery, Quarter Horse named Clyde. After you would get home from work, we drive to the ranch and do some night riding. The arena riding was some of my favorites. Learning how to take the horse in different leg leads and different gaits was so much fun! Although my love of dance overtook my love of riding, I thoroughly enjoyed our time together.
One of my favorite memories was the night when we rode into the desert. With a full moon to light the way, nothing could go wrong. Until my horse spooked and did a 180 turn, back to the ranch in a dead run! Thankfully you had trained me well, and I didn’t get too rattled. I was able to slow him down without getting thrown off! And cannot remember if we continued our night ride, or if we returned to the arena, but I do remember it gave me confidence in my abilities.
Dad, you taught me so much. You taught me to be patient. And to take charge. To be a leader and to work hard. So many of your lessons were through our long conversations, talks about the ways of the world and the different kinds of people you will meet along the way. But many of your lessons were through observation. Volunteering and being a member of many different local charitable clubs. A few that come to mind are Verde Vequeros, Junior Achievement, the Mounted Search and Rescue Unit, and Rotary International. (Writing this, I have a lot of catching up to do!) Whether you were helping out a neighbor and volunteering in your community, your ability to give to others is something I truly admire. Thank you for being someone, not only your children and grandchildren could look up to, but your community as well.
Happy birthday, Dad!
Dad, I love you!!
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