Dear Dad,

My dad, Thanksgiving, 1960

My parents wedding, 1980


My wedding, 2004

For all that you have given me, all that you have helped me through and all that we have shared, words will never be enough to describe how much you mean to me.

It was Sunday morning, you would try and sneak in my room but the wooden floors in our small townhouse would creak and I knew you were right outside my door. I would try and shut my eyes, but you always knew I wasn’t sleeping. You would take out my shorts and my beat up Giants jersey (that was 3 times too big) and we would head to our favorite little place, The Vienna Inn. I would sit there, staring at my wonderful daddy, eating my pancakes, just enjoying the moment.

I remember Thursday nights in the hot summer, driving the golf cart at the country club, as I watched you slaughter the competition. You were always the best golfer in my eyes. No matter if you didn’t sink the putt or if you sliced it a little. You were always the A player!

I remember when you taught me how to play golf, and I won the country club championship and how the trophy was bigger than I was. You carried it on our way to the car and I could see just how proud you were. Your daughter, the little golf champ. I knew when you put that trophy next to your own, how much it meant that we shared the same passion.

When I see your face, the memories and smells of my childhood, start coming back. I remember homemade Fettuccini, stinky squid and amazing Osso Bucco. I always remember you standing over the stove, stirring, dicing and cooking something. I am glad that is a new passion we share. The aroma of walking into your house is a thing I will never forget.

So… today you are 55. You are a loved son, brother, father and now grandfather. I hope this day brings as much love and peace as you deserve. You are an amazing father and I just want to let you know, it is not the big things you do, but simply your presence that means the world to me.

I love you daddy!