Sunday, January 29, 2006

A very special Man

I am thankful for many things in my life today, and I though I’d share a few thoughts with you about a great man in my life: A man of whom I am so proud and admire. He has accomplished a great deal in his life and always followed his goals.

To begin with, without him, I simply wouldn’t exist. Well, I might exist, but as a different person.

I remember him teaching me to ride my bicycle. That was funny. First thing he did, was to take off the training wheels. “You don’t need those!” he said. He ran behind me holding the saddle of my green bicycle and after a short while – and a couple of scraped elbows and knees - I was cycling on my own. Man! Was I proud!... And so was he.

I guess that’s a good metaphor for what he’s been giving me throughout my life.

He believed in me and taught me to believe in myself and in others. He taught me to trust others and to trust my instincts. He taught me to keep my balance in life. He taught me to look ahead, learn and be open for new experience. He also taught me that if I fell, I had to get up and try again. He taught me that what I would give would return to me at some point. He taugh me that it was okay to make mistakes, but that I had to recognize, learn from them and fix them.

He has been an excellent mentor throughout my life. He taught me important values and never judged my decisions an accepted my opinions. He supported my decision to leave the family nest to go to Europe at a very young age. He let go –just like the saddle of my bicycle- which is probably the most difficult thing for a parent.



Today’s my Dad’s birthday. He's turning */(!$ years old today!!!! (Scared you for a second there, didn’t I Dad?) ;-)

Happy birthday, Daddy. OrangeX and I wish you many more healthy and happy years. We'll celebrate this summer, okay?

Thank you for all you’ve taught and given me. I love you and miss you.

10 comments:

Ms Mac said...

Happy Birthday CS Dad! Have a fabby day!

Anonymous said...

Your acknowlegment is the greatest gift I received on this Birthday-Love you Dad.

Unknown said...

Ah how sweet! I'm glad your dad reads your blog!

CanadianSwiss said...

Expat- He does and I'm so glad. Thanks.
Dad- It was time you knew ;-)

Rob7534 said...

Oh how sweet! I love your father already!

Ginnie Hart said...

Awwwwwwwwww. Not only sweet but a great example of how parent-child love can be. And what a gorgeous photo of you both! He looks so YOUNG! (That was for his sake, since he reads your blog, but I also said it 'cuz it's true :)

Ginnie Hart said...

It just occurred to me that the photo might have been of you and OrangeX, as the wishers on the card? Uh-oh. Well, if so, OrangeX also looks so young :) But now I need to know which one it is!!

CanadianSwiss said...

Rob - Thanks, I'll leave him the message

Ginnie - Haha! The second assumption is the correct one. It is Orange and myself. I will post a picture this evening of the post-birthday "boy" when I get home to avoid any further confusion ;-)

Unknown said...

Swiss baby, that was beautiful It took me back too when my Dad did the same thing w/ the training wheels. We are lucky to have the influence of a good father,as such, it is good to cherish it. Happy Birthday to your Dad!!

Anonymous said...

How can I not be proud of my daughter,thank you for your love and trust,thank you all for your comments and Birthday wishes.Dad