Dad

It's Father's Day and I pause to think of my own Dad and what a powerful force he has been in my life.

He was always the biggest, the strongest, the bravest and the funniest of all the Dads in the neighborhood.

He was "Uncle Bobby" to anyone under 21, and he always seemed to have time for them ... and for his own five kids.

He told corny jokes, had a high tenor voice and built things from the ground up.  Like houses.  And fireplaces.  He was a brick mason by avocation.  He became a lobbyist for the Commercial Seafood industry, and continues to be passionate and effective to this day.

My dad hasn't changed all that much.  He is still corny, and funny; still the biggest, strongest and bravest man I know.

He is now a grandfather and a great-grandfather.  He and my mother have been married 55 years and their love for each other is a brightly shining light, that draws amazement and brings joy to anyone who passes near.  I've been lucky to grow up in the presence of such love.

My dad values God, family and country.  He is the most patriotic person I know.  It all arises out of the same heart - a heart that loves big,  loves much and loves forever.  That is the greatest gift he has passed on to me:  Love with abandon, there is always enough love to give just a little more.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.  Thank you ... for everything!