Dear Dad,

63 years ago today, nanny gave birth to you. You were her first born and the light of her life. I heard her talk about you growing up to the point of nauseum when I was little. At the time, I was bored to tears hearing about your childhood. She would go on and on about how you would spend all hours of the night shooting basketball, to the point of bothering the neighbors late into the night. How she was so proud of you as you played basketball in high school and scored 40 points in one single game. Or, about the time your team played the rival team for the state championship in the brand new Municipal Auditorium and it was sold out. You scored 37 points that night and she was so proud. I wish I would have listened harder to the stories so that I could remember all the details.

I feel like I am forgetting little things about you and it is devastating to me. I hear you loud and clear in my dreams, but when I wake up I can't recall what you sounded like, exactly. I wish you were still here to sing your stupid songs that I would always roll my eyes at and make my silly "whatever" sound. I miss you saying, "see ya later, sis" as you did for so many years as you walked out the door. I miss you calling me pola, honeybear, sugarbooger, sissy and all the other names you came up with.

I miss so many things, but mostly I just miss you! I hope that you are playing golf today on your birthday on the most amazing golf course you could have ever dreamed of. I want you to know that I love you and you are remembered on this special day. Love you dad!!! Happy Birthday!