Friday, June 12, 2020

On My Dad's Birthday/Father's Day June 12th 2020 and on

I wish you a Happy Birthday.  You have seen so much in your life! And your steady presence encourages me in these unsteady times.

Things I love about you:

First, I am grateful for the relationship between us, which has expanded my joy and my appreciation of you as my father.

Second, many of your lessons, which are in fact sinking in!  Such as:
   
     Handle paperwork only once.
     Think first:  Do you want it? Do you need it?  Can you afford it?  Can you possibly do without it?
     (needs three affirmatives which can be over-ruled by a final affirmative.)
     Weigh risks against payoff
     "Now cut this side just like I cut the first and don't cut off your finger."
     "Ask me anything; I've made every mistake possible."
     "Every person has their own demons."
      Who's your boss?  What's your job?  And how are you doing in your job?
   
Third, your love of nature, especially birds and lush landscapes.

Fourth, your congeniality

Fifth, your really corny sense of humor

Sixth, watching you develop as a writer

Seventh, your desire to create objects of beauty (and function) that bring joy to humans

Eighth, your success (and perseverance) with gardens

Ninth, your basic belief in the ability of people to improve and succeed

Tenth, your willingness to help

Eleventh, your PATIENCE as a teacher

Twelfth, your belief in peace

Love, Sidney

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