Happy Birthday Daddy!

You probably don't think I remember this but I actually remember the first time I met you (or I think it was the first time). I was really young 4 or 5 I think and you came over to the house on Edwards street and you put me to sleep or at least tried to put me to sleep. I remember laying in bed talking to you, for what seems like to me was hours; it might have only been a few minutes but I remember. I remember talking about school, books, playing, my favorite toys and TV shows. I remember asking you a bunch of questions like your name, do you have any sisters or brothers, do you have a dog or cat, and you were so patient with me and I remember thinking what a great guy this is. I think even at that time I wanted to marry you. LOL!!! Simply because I wanted you all to myself. I asked you a key question that night after my mom came in the room to tell you to come out or maybe it was Michelle I can't remember I just remember the door opening and a female saying for me to go to sleep and to let you go and I asked you then to stay and not too leave me. You didn't you stayed longer, probably until I fell asleep but I remember that night so well and to this day you have never left me. You have always been there for me. From that day on you have never left me. Even when I was a rebellious teen and probably wanted you and every other adult to leave me you didn't. You have always kept your word and I thank you so much for that.

I remember crying about being picked on for being the chubby girl, to boys, or school, to helping with homework and teaching me to drive. To giving birth, to marriages and divorces, hurricanes, vacations, to being my private ATM at times. To hospital visits for Dominic as a child or to me as an adult you've been there for me. Thanks for never backing out of your word. I'm sure that every daughter thinks that they have the best dad but I know it. Life has proven to me in so many ways that you are the best and I am just so grateful that God gave you to me.

So tonight when I have my glass of wine I will raise it up and toast you on your birthday. May you have many many more. Thanks for being the best dad anyone could ask for but mostly thanks for always sticking to your word and not leaving me. I love you so much!!!

Happy Birthday,
Carmen

3 things I'm happy for:

1. Marty, because I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for all his pep talks and support.
2. Exercising today, even though iron yoga kicked my ass, I did it!
3. Motrin because I know later I'll need it. LOL!!!