Today is my Dad’s 85th birthday. I want to send my birthday wishes to him with all my love. Dad is a great guy, and a wonderful father. When I was growing up, it seemed like there wasn’t anything that Dad didn’t know. I could ask him almost anything and he would know the answer. He can fix things, build things, cook, draw, paint; he is very athletic, can sail a boat, water ski, build a campfire…you name it, he can do it. I guess I just took it for granted that Dad would know how to do it, whatever it was. He was the Scoutmaster for my brother’s boy scout troup. When I was a kid, we went camping every summer. First we erected tents, then we towed a camper, then eventually we graduated to a trailer. We usually went to the Pigeon River State Forest in Michigan. Dad would fish, and I always remember the sound of his waders as he walked out of the campground to do some night fishing.

He came to every one of my performances and often sent me a rose with a sweet note on opening night. I’ve saved them all. He especially loved the musicals. He loved to hear me sing.

Dad fought in WWII – in fact, as part the war effort, girls from his neighborhood were given the names of local GIs to write to. My Mom got Dad’s name – and 4 years later he came home and took her out for a soda. Six months later they were married. If that isn’t romantic, I don’t know what is.

You’ve seen some of his paintings – he is an artist. We treasure all his paintings that he has given us. Sometimes we call the cottage the Gordon Hill art gallery. He plays a mean game of dominos, or aggravation, or cards. He’s very funny and he makes me laugh. He loves animals, and adores his cat Nella. He loves spoiling her. He also loves spoiling my Mom and his daughters.

I’ve always been absolutely sure of my Dad’s love. I know he would do anything for me. That’s just the way he is. He’s had some health issues to deal with during the past few years, but he is much, much better. He can now play his beloved golf game – did I mention that he is a fantastic golfer? He is. He also loves music and has an iPod filled with music. He does love listening to music every day.

Dad is kind, generous, and a gentle man. I still call him when I need advice on how to do something or other. My husband thinks the world of him. I think the world of him. I am so glad you are my Dad. Happy Birthday!

My Dad started painting with oils when I was a little girl. This was his very first – painted on a piece of slate with a frame made by hand. I think I was about 6 years old when he painted it. This oil of a single long stemmed rose was always in our house. It hung on the wall to the right of our front door. I saw it every day.

When my parents moved to northern Michigan, the painting went along and found a new home. And when they moved to Florida, it went right along with them.

When I visited my parents recently, I was curious when my Dad said that he had something for me. He disappeared into another room and came back with this painting. I was completely surprised and delighted as it means a great deal to me. I carefully packed it in my suitcase and hoped it would survive the luggage handlers. Thankfully, it arrived in one piece and now it lives in our cottage in upstate New York. We are thrilled to have it here.

Thank you, Daddy!