When my siblings and I were small, we’d beg my dad to do his tricks. They included:
~Running out into the yard, jumping into the air, and clicking his heels together.
~Kicking a ball high into the air.
~Smoking a pipe after dinner.
~Speaking German.
~Telling us wild stories of his childhood growing up in New Ulm, Minnesota.
~Setting off fireworks.
~Teaching us how to play poker.
I thought he knew everything. I still do. When a decision needs to be made, I value his advice.
I liked looking at pictures of him wearing cool black sunglasses, leaning on cars, trees, tables. He broke his leg while skateboarding when I was five-years-old. He taught me how to drive our 1967 Dodge pickup truck when I was thirteen-years-old. He taught me how to shoot a rifle.
When we went to Disneyland, his sole mission was to find Goofy and have his picture taken with him. He succeeded. I wish I had it today, because I would post it in honor of his birthday.
I hope it’s as happy as he’s made me.
Happy Birthday Dad! You are one of a kind, and an inspiration to all of us. Matter of fact, I think I’m gonna click my heels for the boys tonight!
Oh, this was too sweet. Especially bro-de-mopsy’s comment. Happy birthday, Pa!
Steph
A man of many talents. Happy birthday!
What a sweet, sweet tribute to your Dad. Happy Birthday Mr mopsy’s Dad!
Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!!! We love you very much… My fondest memory… wheel barrows full of beautiful delicious tomatoes from your garden (I think mopsy wrote about that once)… never again have I seen such a crop! And the pickles, best dill pickles in the world in my opinion (and I am a VERY picky pickle eater) 🙂 say and five times fast.
It’s great to have a father that you look up to like that. Happy birthday to your dad
Your dad grew up in New Ulm, MN??? I went to college there!!! Small world!
Melanie—what a funny coincidence. As you know, New Ulm isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis. Did you grow up in the area? If so, we are probably related, LOL.
Mopsy, no, I didn’t grow up there. I’ve lived in WI all my life except for the 4 yrs of college in New Ulm. DH and I used to go for walks alot in Flandrau when we were dating. I’ve been to the top of Herman the German, too. I’ve got many, many fond memories of New Ulm. 🙂