Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
I went through a bunch of old photos and put together some thoughts of my dad for Father’s Day. I’m sure there’s much more I could say, but the photos were only from a specific time span, and I wanted to get this done before next Father’s Day. He’s done a lot for me and my ten older siblings and I wanted to do something to let him know how much he’s loved.
Hi Dad,
Thanks for giving me your good looks…
…And showing me how to look cool.
(Pat and Marty may have helped a bit too).
It seems I started emulating you when I was very young.
Seriously though, you were a great role model. You provided a place for us to live…
…and you kept us fed.
I always had a safe place to sleep…
…even on trips in the Winnebago.
You kept me clean…
…and mostly out of trouble.
You taught me how to drive a car…
…and a boat.
You taught me how to grill…
…how to mow the lawn the right way and otherwise take care of a house…
…how to take care of a garden…
…and a family.
I always had everything I needed to be happy…
…like licorice…
…and balloons…
…and snow suits…
…and toys…
…and apparently lots of presents.
There was lots of love between us kids…
…usually.
We learned to be very close…
…and to take care of and stick up for each other.
I learned the value and enjoyment of traditions…
Your adoring kids had lots of good times to celebrate.
I learned from you that I can fix Anything…
…or build Anything…
…or, did I mention, fix anything?
You lovingly took care of all of us kids – from your first (is this Rose?)…
To your last – me (not to mention all your grandkids and great-grandkids).
You watched over me when there were more exciting things going on.
You worked very hard to provide for us. I’m sure you felt a lot of pressure at times…
…and I’m sure it was tiring.
Although I live in Iowa (and you in Minnesota)…
…and we talk mostly by phone…
I wanted you to know that as our family tree continues to grow, I’ll always remember where I came from.
Because of you, there still is, and will always be a lot of love in this family.
You helped inspire me to be the best dad I can be.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
Jake's Thoughts 
Love this, Jake!
How absolutely cool is this picture story for your dad. Loved it! What an incredible family, Jake. I hope you had a great father’s day and what an amazing dad you had. Thanks for sharing! Laura