A body so strong and yet a heart so tender.

My Dad has taught me to rise to the challenge and always speak up, especially when I see things that are wrong. That the path the sheep follow may not always be the right one to take.

A man who has taught me the importance of standing in other’s shoes, that there is so much more to a person than the way they are often described by others, and that there is much we can learn from those who are different.

A man who has taught me never to envy, to never compare my situation in life. That money is not a source of happiness and being wealthy does not always make you a better person.

A man who encourages my children to feed their minds with the beauty of nature and animals; that sometimes the greatest lessons we learn come from the silent creatures around us.

A man who has taught me the importance of loud raucous laughter – to never allow your inner joy be constrained by airs and graces.

But my Dad has never sat me down at a desk and proceeded to teach me these life lessons. Instead, he has taught me through the way he lives his own life every day. His actions show me a man capable of the most heartfelt empathy and passion for fairness.

There may have been times you may have thought I wasn’t listening Dad, but I have always watched and learned. What an amazing role model you are for me, for my children and for our entire family.

Happy Birthday Dad.