Dad,

you're amazing.

You are my best friend.

"What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow. Our life is the creation of our mind."
- The Dhammapada Verse 1

Everything we have been, are in this moment and will be in years to come is rooted in our love for each other. You are my best friend, Kevin, and I am so proud of you each and every day. Fifty may seem daunting but really it's simply an opportunity to stop and look back for a moment before we continue the fantastic journey ahead. I love you! Happy Birthday.

Stacey

Your light shines through any darkness.

"Life doesn't come with an instruction book. That's why we have fathers."
-H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Dad. You are the best father a daughter could have. I will always look up to you for your persistence in the face of adversity, for your hardworking attitude, for your consistently good-natured approach to every day, with all of its possibilities. You've taught me how to look up. You've taught me how to smile, even when it hurts. You've helped me climb out of so many sadnesses. You've taught me how to love and what to look for in a life partner. Your light shines through any darkness. Just hearing from you makes any day better. With or without the instructions, you always make things the very best version of what they can be. You will always be my rock. I love you so much.

Sarah

I can only aspire to become what you are.

Daddyo! Holy moly, it's your birthday! What a great opportunity to tell you what I think of you not just today, but every day. You are amazing. You are smart and funny and super duper cool. You are the reason I am where I am today because your ridiculous work ethic has changed my very being. I respect you so much for taking care of our family the way you have - for being everything everyone needs. I can only aspire to become what you are.

I was recently discussing the anatomy of familial relations with a friend and what we thought made good and bad relationships. We decided the mark of a good parent-child one was when you realize that your parents are just people and that then you realize you really like who those people are. You, Dad, aren't just a great husband, a great dad and a great nurse. You are an amazing human who makes the world around him better. Thank you for being my dad human. I love you so, so much and I hope your birthday is everything you could want it to be and more.

Mega

You are an amazing person.

“Some people live more in 20 years than others do in 80. It’s not the time that matters, it’s the person.”
— The Doctor

Daddy, you are an amazing person who by 50, has already accomplished so much. You have taken care of us and sacrificed so much, gone to school, and have worked to be the best dad every day and you continue to do so much more. It’s not the time that matters, but the way you spend the time, and being sure to savor each and every amazing moment of the life you are living. When I’m with you, I want to enjoy every single moment. I love you Daddyo! Have a happy, happy birthday!

Rain