My Dad. The Man. Poppie’s 65th Birthday

This New York native goes by many names: Tim, Poppie, Timothy, Pops, Dad. He’s Dad in my book and a pretty darn great one at that. This week he turned 65.

My Dad. With eyes that sparkle and a boyish spirit, he’s quite a guy. He is a retired civil engineer who loves gardening, bike riding, volunteering, palling around with my Mom, visiting his life-long friends, nature, traveling, skiing, making wine (he made ALL of the wine for our wedding), spending quality time with each of his 5 grandkids, buying stuff for his grandkids, babysitting his grandkids, did I mention he loves his grandkids? The only reasons he might say no to a babysitting request are:

1. He is volunteering at Landis Museum maintaining their grounds,

2. He is traveling somewhere fun with my mom,

3. It’s too nice of a day not to go for a 30-mile bike ride with my Mom, or

4. He already said yes to my sister for babysitting.

He spoils them all rotten and they all love him. As I write this he is snowboarding with Andrew and Isaac after school. Basically, he is grandfather of the year, every year. Just writing that makes me think I need to get more hobbies!

Dad, I hope you enjoyed your birthday and you like your pictures. I can’t wait to see the group photo blown up on your wall. Thank you for being you. We are all better people for being your family. None of us would be where we are without you. Thank you for always supporting me even when you knew it would be yet another “lesson learned.” I know I was a tough kid to raise so thank you for never raising your voice at me and never losing patience (outwardly) with me and always believing in me through it all. For how much I took you for granted when I was a kid, I appreciate you now. You are the best dad a girl could ask for. For everything, thank you.

<3 - Meg