Happy Birthday, Da
Dear Da~
I just want to tell you I love you and have a very happy birthday tomorrow. I know I’m doing this a little early, but between Hubby being gone (and subsequently being a newly single parent), working full time, and getting ready for your birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas, I know I would have forgotten. So here it is. On the internet for the whole world to see.
Happy 70th Birthday!
You have so far led a very interesting life. I am oftentimes amazed you have made it this long. Between the crazy things you did as a kid (which I hope to document here, eventually), playing hockey, your multiple tours of Viet Nam with the USMC, being a teacher, an assistant principal, a director of transportation, now retired, you have done much.
Though you tend to make me cringe, never knowing what is going to come out of your mouth next (you lost your filter years ago); your grumpy old man demeanor; your self-induced deafness (turning up the TV or radio while asking someone to repeat what they just said is counter-productive, by the way); your desire to act forever 18; your inability (or lack of desire) to retain bits of information about your loved ones; your impeccable timing, calling while your daughters are working, to tell us of specials at Kroger or how much gas is at Sam’s Club; your unyielding love of everything Boston, Irish and German; your need to be the life of the party; your obsessive need to make sure everything is equal and fair when it comes to your daughters (no favorites)…
I could go on, but I’m afraid I’d break the internet. 
As much as you drive me crazy, Da, I love you. Happy birthday.
