Dear Dad:

My dear, dear friend Toni has inspired me to take a few minutes out on Father's Day to write about you Dad! What a great way to wind down this beautiful day! Hopefully someone like my sister will read this to you!!

My eyes are filled with tears tonight as I am not able to spend this special day directly with you. But I think you know how special you are to me (and the rest of the family) and I am so thankful that you are still here with us! I know that the rest of the family had a wonderful time celebrating with you today - I wish I could have been there too. Thankfully I was able to do that just a few months ago as we spent the week together in London.

Speaking of London - it was such a special time to share a family vacation once again with Dad. I have such happy memories of all the trips you took us on as kids. The month long trip to the California or hiking by Yankee Doodle Lake on the 4th of July or riding the Wizard at Six Flaggs or driving around Lake Michigan or going to Disney World or even just hanging out at our cottage. There are so many fond memories that I have stored up! I have you and mom to thank for my love of traveling! I hope someday we can share another trip together!!

Dad, you taught me a lot over the years. How else would I have learned that elbow grease is the best cleaner? Or that my left back pocket was the place to store everything? Or to ask Sam Schwartz the answer? Seriously, you taught me about working hard to get what you want. To never give up. To be honest and caring. And of course you taught me how to be patient. Yes, I learned that from you!!! I appreciate everything you have taught me Dad!

So as I say goodnight tonight, please remember, I LOVE YOU VERY, VERY MUCH!!!!

Love, your "favorite" daughter!!!