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Friday, November 19, 2010

Happy birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad’s birthday. For those of you who know my dad, you know he’s a hoot. And for those of you who don’t know my dad, but know me…well, I’m a lot like him. This post is in honor of my dad.

Dear Dad,

As I think back on my earlier years, a few memories stick out more than others. The other day, I found myself telling the story of you wearing our bright orange nail polish to dinner in order to prove a point. Your threat of wearing that nail polish until we took ours off was enough to make us grab a cotton ball and run to the nearest bottle of acetone.

I also remember the time you took me out on a daddy/daughter date and told me I could pick whatever song I wanted from the jukebox. I chose the song, “Dizzy,” and as I sat down to enjoy my music choice, the guys in the booth behind us started to chuckle and make fun of my song choice. You immediately turned around and asked them if they had a problem with the song your daughter chose. I knew then that you’d always have my back, no matter how silly the situation might be.

One of my more recent memories involves you walking me down the aisle to “How Beautiful” as you gave me away to marry Jon. This memory is so representative of the way you have fathered me in my 26 years of life. There has never been a moment that you have casually led me into a situation. You have prayerfully and thoughtfully guided our family through good and hard times, and this situation was no different. You gave me to Jon, confident that he would continue the prayerful leadership you had begun.

Growing up, I’ve always attributed my tender heart to Granny and my stubbornness to you (and your dad!). But now that I am older, I see that I also get my tender heart from you. God has granted you a tender heart where it counts and stubbornness to see that tenderness through. Thank you for setting that example for me. Your dad would be so proud.

Happy birthday, dad! I love you!

2 comments:

Katie said...

Love this!! Happy birthday, Mr. Bauerlein! I made Brad read this letter too. We were both really moved by it! :)

Kim said...

Brit, I love your parents. Your dad's sense of humor is beyond greatness but as you said, so is his tender heart that comes through when it needs to. I'll never forget him doing my precious mom's funeral. Those words were such a gift. Happy Birthday, Pete! Love you, brit!