"Happy Father's Day" Dad....

My Dad... He became my Dad on February 7th, 1970 when I was four years old. He stepped in and filled a role that allowed me to never feel like I was a "step daughter." Soon after my mom and dad were married along came my sister "Laura" about nine months later. Dad has always called us #1 and #2. When I call him on the phone he says, "Is this number 1 or number 2?" When I was little Dad was a truck driver. He drove for many long hours each day. Anytime he would call Mom and say he was at a stop near by Mom would pack Sis and I up in the car, pajamas and all so we could go surprise him and bring him coffee and a snack. I remember wanting a puppy for my 13th birthday. A frequent restaurant we would go to was Don Jose's. (still go there) Right next door was a pet store. After dinner one night we wandered over to see all of the puppies. Of course I along with my sister fell in love with a fluffy black and white mutt. Dad's heart melted and he agreed to pay the $40.00 for her! Sis and I were ectastic. We named our little new addition to the family "Agape" which meant God is love. Dad has been a trooper visiting Larry and I and the boys in all the many various places we have lived. At one point there were two occassions where Dad and Mom allowed us to stay with them in-between housing locations. Of which one included us moving in with our dog and all nine of her puppies. Now that's what I call unconditional love. There are so many times Dad just stops and twists his mustache at all the pickles I can seem to get into. I always know when Dad is in deep thought when I call him on the phone and tell him what our plans are and there is a long silence. And I say, "Dad are you still there?" Having a Dad that is slow to speak has been very good for me. He has loved me unconditionally for forty of my forty four years. I am so blessed that he is my "Dad." Thanks Dad for everything! Love, Daughter #1