Dad,

Happy 14th/56th birthday.  I remember as a young kid being so excited when your actual birthday happened, especially when I could tell my friends that my dad was turning 10 or 11.  It used to crack me up to see their faces and how they’d try to figure out how my dad can be 11 when I’m 13.

Dad, I just wanted to write you a note on here to say thank you.  Thank you for being such an amazing father.  I really don’t know how Ricky and I could have gotten through the last 2 years without you and Mom.  You both have done so much to help us, especially during my pregnancy and since having the girls.  I know that words will never be able to express how grateful we are to you.  You are such a kind, generous, and loving man and I am so lucky to be your daughter.  Thank you for taking such good care of our family.  From taking care of Mom throughout her cancer battle – making her meals, taking her to appointments, taking over all the housework for her, and every other thing you did to help her through that horrible ordeal.  Thank you for helping me when I was ginormously pregnant with the girls and didn’t have the energy to deal with Des while Ricky worked.  Thank you for driving me to the hospital when I went into labor and waiting in the room with me for Ricky to arrive.  Thank you for constantly letting me come over with all the kids when Ricky works for days.

And thank you so much for loving my children.  Granted, I know they’re your grandkids and they’re pretty cute, but still, I’m so grateful for what a wonderful Papi you are to them.  They’ve really hit the jackpot with you.  The fact that Des will choose to go hang out with his Papi over his friends speaks volumes about you and how much joy you bring to his life.  He adores you and I’m so grateful that he has such a great relationship with you.  Thank you for always playing with him, for taking the time to take him to the park, throw him up in the air, chase him around trees, and put together that train track every single time we come over.

Dad, I hope you know how much I love you.  I know we’re not the most mushy type of family, but I really do thank God for you and know that I’m beyond lucky to have you for my dad.  Thank you for always supporting me, for believing in me, for loving me despite my faults and when I disappoint you.  Thank you for not holding my failures over me, but rather, helping me learn from them and grow as a person.  Thank you for setting such a wonderful example for me on what it means to be a good parent – one who’s involved in their child’s life, who loves them unconditionally, and who doesn’t stop parenting just because their kid has become an adult.

Thank you for loving Ricky.  I don’t think words will ever express how thankful I am that you and Ricky have such a great relationship – that you treat him like your own.  Thank you for supporting him in his career, for guiding him, for helping him, and for believing in him.  Thank you for partnering with him in his dreams and helping them become a reality.

Dad, I wish you the happiest of birthdays.

I love you,

Mal