44

Life presents us all with obstacles. Mine was given to me in the form of my dad. A well read, well versed person, my father is a no nonsense yet caring guy. Every human has two sides to them. My dad is the best example.Where most fathers give their children money to order something for lunch when their friends come over, my dad stands in the heat of the kitchen and makes pasta. Yet, where most fathers are the laid back ones that give in to their kid's wants and needs after two days of nagging, mine stays firm until he sees a reason to give in. Where most fathers console their daughters after a break up by handing the responsibility over to the mother, mine sits and makes fun of the ex with me. Where most fathers choose to go sit by the poolside or pub in some foreign country with their friends, mine chooses a mountain and decides the best possible way to make a family holiday out of climbing it. In a world where genuinely caring men are hard to find, my father is an exception.
When I was young, I remember referring to my father as my role model. He was everything I wanted to be and I revered him. On your birthday dad, I want to remind you that that little girl who thought you were the most amazing person in the world still lives somewhere nestled deep inside.
I want to to attribute my being such a strong person and individual to my father. Thank you for pushing me, steering me back on track when I was going off and praising me when you thought I deserved it.
Disagree as we do, on some things, my mother is right; my father and I are very alike. Both stubborn, defiant yet loving and thoughtful.
To the biggest Mark Knopfler fan I know,
Happy 44th Birthday Dad,
I love you.