Monday, August 16, 2010

august sixteenth

a year ago today

I set up chairs and a long table in my backyard.

I bought balloons and tied them to my fence.

I ate dinner with my whole family.

I wanted to make my Dad's 50th birthday a special one.

My mom suggested we put together a book with 50 favorite things about our Dad. Never did we realize just how special this book would become. My mom made one of her own. My Dad was thrilled. He read it slowly and smiled, and laughed, and was even surprised! The last favorite line I wrote on my page was, "I love that you will be there at the hospital when I have my baby in April."

I was 6 weeks pregnant.

All I can think about today is how awesome of a Dad I have. He would do ANYTHING for me.
And he did.

Today I wish I had met him at the salon to give him a fresh birthday haircut. We would have talked about the times me and my sisters would do his hair when we were little, spraying his hair with a water bottle, a half an inch away from his head. He'd just sit there with a towel around his neck getting soaked.

Then he'd ask me what he should do about all these grey hairs... and I'd tell him he earned them.

I would have told him about the latest laughs we've had on Taryn's behalf.
Today she took me to her make believe castle in our kitchen and told me about all the flowers in front of it and how she needed to call Cinderella because she was getting married and wants her to come.

Then when I'd be finishing up and trimming his neckline we'd talk about how hairy he is...and how I could keep trimming down his back.

Then he'd get out his checkbook and I'd tell him he does NOT have to pay me cause he's my Dad! That would just be silly!
But he does anyway, then he says part of it is for Mom's hair too. I know he does it because he loves me and wants to help me in any way possible.

Then he'd give me a big hug and say thanks. I'd tell him it's no problem. Then he'd say bye, I love you, and I'd tell him I love him back.

Today I am celebrating my Dad's birthday. I'll meet friends and family for dinner and we'll enjoy our time together. Because knowing now what I didn't know back then is that life is precious and we must Live It.

Enjoy it.
Honor it.
Learn from it.
Love it.
Build it.

and then
Return from it.

Happy Birthday Dad!
Thanks for teaching me about life and how to live it fully.

14 comments:

Traci, Skylar, Ashlyn &Treyden said...

you write so beautifully! i hope you know you inspire me now to live! i hope you all enjoy celebrating your dad tonight.

Abe and Lisa said...

Great post yet again Shawna. Your family is such an inspiration to all. And what a great way to celebrate your Dad by going out in his honor.. i'm sure he would love that. And i love you!!!

Trav and Lizzie said...

Woah Shawna. Get more mature and inspiring.

Also, you make me teary often.

Allison and Josh said...

Beautiful post, Shawna! I love you! I'm sure your dad will be there celebrating with you tonight!

Devrie Pettit said...

Wow. That was amazing. You and your family are amazing.

Ryan and Tori said...

I really cannot believe how strong you are Shawna. I've read a couple other posts about your Dad and you are really are an inspiration. I don't think I'd be so strong... You are awesome!

ericksonslc said...

Shawna that was so beautiful. I can't stop crying. I love your writing and you put your feelings so well in this post. You are becoming a spiritual giant. I love you.

Mary said...

You are a gift to me. I love you honey.

pennie said...

Shawna~ just beautiful! I know your dad is smiling down on you and the rest of your family.

Magdalena said...

I love your perspective Shawna. That was awesome to read.

Bonnie said...

It was amazing celebrating this year with you. Your dad would be proud!

Rodney and Tanya said...

My mom said the birthday celebration at your dad's favorite restaurant was great. I wish I could have been there.

Love you lots, Tan

Unknown said...

Shawna, you write so beautifully and from the heart. Thank you for your post and being willing to share. You helped remind me of what matters most.

AmberLou said...

I don't know if I have ever told you how much I LOVE how you write... but I do! You are so inspiring and I want to be just like you in every way. You are an amazing mom, daughter, sister and FRIEND... and I admire you so much! Thanks for being you!!! :)