Lucky me...

My dad is one of the 'stars' of my life. Today is his birthday and I don't know that I can give him as much honor and respect that is due him with a simple picture and blogpost. But I will try.
I say 'lucky me', because I know that there are hundreds of thousands of people in the world who don't have a dad that they admire, or look up to, or get sound advice and direction from, or possibly even know who he is. I am lucky to have been raised with the love and support that my dad has given me all my life.
He grew up working hard with his own dad and brother and mother by his side- long hours and {dirty} work on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota. I wonder if he ever 'glimpsed' into his future and saw that he would one day have a loving wife, 5 kids and lots of grandkids to love and 'gush' over? He was into showing dairy cows through 4-H, playing softball with friends and relatives, and then owning his own farm and making a living off the animals and land.
One day that changed...and he sold it all to head off to Bible college...he felt God calling him to serve others. I doubt that he knew how drastic his life would change....from fields to books. From physical labor to mental challenges.
I am thankful that my dad has followed his heart and grew into the man God chose him to be in this life. I have been lucky to have his ear, his guidance, his support and his heart from day one. I hope to give back to him as much devotion and love as he has shown me. Happy Birthday, Dad. Hope you don't mind this picture. =) It was snapped earlier this summer...the hat is not for fashion, but for protection from the sun. He had a spot of skin cancer removed a few years ago...and is much wiser because of that lesson in life. Thanks, Dad for the lessons, love and life you have shared with me and the rest of your family and friends through the years. I wish you many more...and much happiness too!