Celebrate

Happy Birthday, Dad!

My dad is seventy-seven this week. I haven't joined in on the celebration yet. But that ends now.This is a picture I love of Dad and my Co. taken this April when we were visiting. My dad is a retired professor. He worked in the School of Business at BYUH in marketing then hotel and restaurant management. I was able to take a class from him when I went there and he is a dynamic teacher who encouraged his class to read, and not just the required text for the class. Love that! I have several memories from my childhood that make me smile and remind me of how lucky I am to have a good dad. Whenever I see an insect with a pin in it or a giant fish stuck to a wall I think of my dad. No, my dad didn't work at a museum, but we used to go on campus to visit him and have adventures all the time. The Monte Bean museum is a big part of my childhood memories from BYU Provo.

We'd visit my dad after Saturday matinees. We'd eat at the cafeteria at the wilky Wilkinson center blowing milk bubbles with our straws. But we also met Dad at his office at BYUH where we seemed to always be licking an ice cream cone from the Seasider/Snack Bar. My brothers perfected the "suicide" fountain drink at family dinners there, too.

I remember the kids taking turns riding around with Dad on his moped. I loved when he'd "pedal" the moped. Like it was a bike. Amazing skills.

I also remember that catchy tune, "My Dad," from childhood. I always thought the lyrics were written especially for my dad. The part that goes ". . . he always has money for bubble gum, I haven't figured how he does it yet, but, my dad's the smartest guy. . ." For years Dad always had a Big Red PLENTPAK and we would get a half stick whenever we asked.

My childhood was filled to overflowing with vacations and activities that I took for granted. I wish I were a better writer, so I could adequately explain how lucky my siblings and I are to have such a kind-hearted provider. These days my dad wears the "retired" hat well. He loves watching TV, is a voracious reader, has served several MTC missions with my mom, and even works out at the gym! I love you, Dad. Happy 77th birthday.