""" FATHER TIME """

Father Time made his annual visit this morning. He made his usual early morning trek into my life and sledhammered me with his cute little wand for the 54th. As you can imagine, if you are younger, birthdays become more depressing as they accumulate. If you are older, this is not news to you. They just seem to arrive more frequently. When you are young, years seem like they are 500 days long. At 54 years old, they seem like they arrive every few months. Today, as members of my family wish me a Happy Birthday, I would like to use this forum to thank THEM for what they have brought to my life. Like most men, I don't usually wear my emotions on my sleeve, so it is just easier for me to express my feelings in this manner. I love each and everyone of you more then life. All of you are the best birthday present a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and stepson (etc.) could ever want.

Mom & Dad - I miss you more then anyone realizes. Not one day goes by I don't think about you.

My wife, Vickie - 20 years this August. We often joke about hard it has been. The truth is, it has been the easiest thing I have ever done. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have given me. ANY man would give anything he had to have a wife like you.

My oldest daughter, Melanie - I'm so sorry it hasn't been easy for you. Like most parents, I have made mistakes, and I regret them. I wish I could have been there for you. Your skills as a mother and wife are beyond incredible. I simply could not have asked for a better mother for my grandchildren. You have blossomed into a simply wonderful person.

My oldest son, Chris - I thank you everyday for being there for me. My relationship with you goes beyond father and son. It could also be described as best friends. You are constantly looking out for me, and helping me when I need it. My life would not be complete without you. I feel blessed everyday to have you.

My middle son, Jason - I hope you read this, Jason, as it needs to be said. I find it hard to write anything about you, because you have chosen to ignore not only me, but the rest of your family also. Chris is the only person you maintain contact with. I have only seen you a couple times in the last 10 years. I understand your mother has the same problem. I will no longer accept the general belief that your wife is the problem. In my eyes, you are now the problem. In case you haven't noticed, you are now a man, with a father, mother, brother and sisters who happen to love you. It is time you grew a spine. If Dorinda is the problem, tell her you are now going to be part of your family. If she doesn't like it, tell her to deal with it, you are coming to see us. She can stay home if she wants. I am very proud of you and love you very much, but you need to fix this, and soon, before it's too late and you spend the rest of your life regretting it. I'm positive your mother feels the same.

My youngest son, Eric - My other son/best friend. I am so proud of you, you would not believe it. Despite all the odds being against you, you graduated from Shadle Park High School, on time. I know how hard this was for you. I will admit, I had my doubts, even on graduation day, but you continued to reassure me it would happen and it did. THANK YOU. You have never been in, nor caused me, any trouble, other then the normal kid stuff, and this alone makes you special. You are the most generous person I know, and I hope your future brings you nothing but happiness. Congratulations on your new job. It is an honor to have you as my son.

My youngest daughter, Sarah - The apple of my eye. I wasn't sure I wanted another child at 40, but you have erased all doubt. What you have brought to me can't be described in words. I can't even imagine what my life would have been without you. You are the most caring and sensitive child I know. The "Hot Guy" who marries you will be getting a prize, and I'm sure he will realize it. Don't ever change, sweetheart, you are as perfect as can be.

My 6 GrandChildren - I feel as blessed as a grandfather can be. Thank You, Melanie.

My oldest sister, Linda - I'm so sorry you haven't found the happiness you deserve. You are a wonderful person, and I hope things work out for you.

My brother, Tony - How we ever made it through our drug-infested 70's, I'll never know, but we did , and I'm thankful for that. Even though the miles seperate us, you are still close in my heart, and I miss not seeing you everyday.

My youngest sister, Lisa - I'm so glad you finally found happiness. Al is a great guy. You are a wonderful person and an even greater sister. I would NOT have made it through Dad's death without your support.

My step-mom, Sue - Being a step-mom might be the hardest job there is. but you stepped up and did the job like no other. Like the others above, what you have brought to my life can't be measured. I love you as much as a step-son could possibly love his step-mom.

My ex-wife ,Tari - We were so young, and so immature. But people grow up, and so did we. Rick is a lucky guy. Thank you for 3 wonderful children. I'm sure they are proud to have a mom like you.

My 3 step-brothers, Terry,Charlie & Brian - I only use the step-brother title here for simplicity's sake. You all 3 are as close to siblings as is possible. I'm so glad I have you in my life.

My daughter Sarah's Best friend, Jordan - I cannot close this out without mentioning you. Your friendship with Sarah is the best thing to ever happen to her, and in doing so, has made you special to me. We always joke that you are my 3rd. daughter, but to me, that is no longer a joke. I really do feel like you are my daughter. You are a sweet girl, and I would like to take this chance to thank you for your devotion to Sarah. In you, she has a life long friend, and I wish you nothing but the best.

In closing, "Father Time" has banged me on the head 54 times, so far. But those "Bangs" have brought me benefits that lots of people never enjoy. As you can see, I am one of the luckiest people alive. Far better men then me have had far less. Nobody realizes this more then me. I love each and everyone of you, and cherish having you in my life. God could not have treated me better.......