Daddy's Little Girl

Dad,
Happy birthday! I've been thinking about you all day, and all that you mean to me. Rather than getting sappy, I thought I'd let you in on some of my favorite or funniest memories with you up to this day.
My very earliest memory of my life is of going into the First State Bank with you and Mom when she was pregnant with Michael. I remember you holding my left hand and Mom holding my right hand. I was so excited, because you gave me one of those little boxes of mint gum that they used to give out. If I remember correctly, Mom got onto you, because I'd swallow it. I'm sure I did swallow it, or got it in my hair or on the car seat, but one thing is for sure...I always knew when I was little, I'd eventually get what I wanted with Daddy! *wink*
I think I have to give you a big thank you for my extraordinarily vast knowledge of classic rock music...well, you and Rick Dees. Case in point: I was driving to work today and didn't even realize my radio was on until the timeless lyrics, "Carry on my wayward so-o-o-on" started playing out of the blue. I excitedly shouted, "KANSAS!" and then looked around me to see if any passers-by noticed that I was talking to myself. Needless to say, I rocked out until the end of the song before I shut off my engine. Oh, and I still hold to my plea of innocence: I do NOT have your Outfield or Steve Miller Band CDs, and if you happen to notice your Aldo Nova, Boston, or Def Leppard music missing, it wasn't me...I swear.
Another favorite: Eating marraschino cherries on the swing set and howling at the moon. Despite what Mom says, marraschino cherries can in no way EVER make me sick, no matter how many I eat or even if I swig a little of the juice (love you Mom!) Also, I still think I may just be a little part werewolf.
A few other favs: Digging in your shirt pockets for bubblegum when you got home from work, jet skiing at Lake Fryer with lots and lots of Twizzlers, the smell of freshly cut wood when you were building something in the garage, you hugging me in the middle of the Metallica concert because I seriously had no idea what that nasty smell was around us...only to find out it was marijuana, our Friday night family camp-outs on the living room floor on pallets eating popcorn and pickles and watching Johnny Carson, learning to two-step to "Fishing in the Dark" in the living room, Alram and all those who worked there, and most of all, the memories in the making: watching you and Mom with my three babies, and seeing how much they love you--undeniably and unconditionally and nonstop. I love you, and I hope your day was fantastic!