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HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY

Dad, gramps, great grandpa;
You respond to many tags.
Always a smile and a helping hand
When life zigs instead of zags.
There was service to your country;
Service to your fellow man;
Encouraging the underdog;
Always doing what you can.
Performing tasks you never dreamed of
Such as helping to change bed sheets.
Executing the weekly shopping,
Bringing mom some tasty treats.
And whoever thought we would see you
With such intensity mow the lawn.
Happily cruising the yard
As if nothing else was going on.
Happy 90th birthday, Pop.
You have to admit it's been quite a ride.
Thank you for all you have done for me,
And taking it all in stride.


DAD

A MORNING WITH DAD

While the world is still sleeping
He struggles out of bed
With a list of things to do
Running through his head.

Let me introduce you to my Dad,
Off to start his day
With racquetball in the morning
To keep infirmities away.

Lunch is at 10 in the morning.
A crossword puzzle is tackled with verve.
Dictionaries and computers are referenced,
And he's got mom kept in reserve.

Sitting in his well worn chair,
His actions are misleading.
He clutches the newspaper firmly,
But he really isn't reading.

He's dozing ever so lightly
When a ringing phone cuts in.
At first he seems startled;
Then he offers a sheepish grin.

It's been this way for many years
So it's not a phase or fad.
It's just the way things are
Around the house with Dad.

FATHER'S DAY 2002

The first thing in the morning
He's sure the computer beckons.
With the cat trotting behind him
Dad's at his desk in seconds.
His hands are a little unsteady;
To this he is resigned;
But his resolution is firm
As he gears up to go online.
Email is downloaded
While his mood is quite upbeat.
He is constantly amazed
With every computer feat.
There are lists that need changing
And letters to compose.
When morning, noon and evening pass
He marvels at where time goes.
Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Words can hardly express
The clutter around your computer.
In general it's a mess.
So here is something to help you organize.
May chaos be a thing of the past.
May those who enter your office
No longer stand there aghast.

FATHER'S DAY 2000

As father's day approaches,
A time to stop and reflect
Upon the past and the present
And a father's need to protect.

Frequently we have agreed
To disagree, it's true;
But you have always been there
When I needed you.

Never turned your back
When I thought the damage irreparable;
But you did hold fast;
Now father and daughter inseparable.

Words spoken in anger
Never to be retrieved;
But those were spewed in frustration
And never were believed.

Selfless in so many ways,
A word or a joke to be had.
Sports enthusiast and volunteer,
That's my Dear Old Dad.

When I reminisce, as I often do,
The memories provide great pleasure
And I know that you've become
Our family's private treasure.

With age came the mellowing;
A subtle but palpable change.
But still a will of iron
With emotions of panoramic range.

So Dear Old Dad, a salutation;
Your presence prevails through sun and rain.
A strong influence in my life
With love and thoughts forever I remain,

your daughter

DAD'S 80TH BIRTHDAY (1998)

Eight decades of life;
Still energetically in the game.
People say whatever he's having,
We'll have some of the same.

Youthful in appearance,
Everyone awed and amazed.
As fit as a lad of sixty,
A monument to your age.

With a twinkle bright and humorous
You delve into your mental file
Displaying a continuous source of wit
That leave them laughing in the aisle.

Many folks your age are busy
Slathering on all sorts of ointment.
You're so busy that in order to see you
The family must make an appointment.

I look upon you with some envy.
I look upon you with much pride.
Although sometimes you gum up the works,
I know you're on my side.

A million thanks couldn't even the score;
Always picking me up after the fall.
Happy Birthday, Dear Old Dad,
You set an example for us all.

FOUR SCORE AND SEVEN YEARS

Four score and seven years ago,
I believe 1918 was the year
You came into this world;
And by God, you're still here.
A gift uniquely just for you.
A tee shirt with a favorite photo
That's not quite centered; just slightly askew.
TLC is all that is needed.
Nothing really rash;
But wear it very gently
Or you may find it in the trash.
(no names mentioned here.)
Moreover some John Wayne stamps
To assist as you celebrate.
Duke sends his regrets
But he had to relocate.
Happy Birthday, pop.
May your spirit always smile.
May health and happiness be yours,
As no one has your style.

DAD 2005

In younger days I was messy;
It made mom a little bit mad.
I knew I didn't take after her,
So it had to come from Dad.

And when it comes to clothes,
You'll know by the way he is clad
That the gentleman you are seeing
Is none other than my Dad.

He's down to earth;
Doesn't follow the latest fad.
He's sensible (most of the time).
He's the guy that I call Dad.

When he relates a joke slightly tinted
I gasp and thing Egad!
Who would repeat that in mixed company!
It could only be my Dad.

However there is one thing you should know
Or you'll be sorrier than a failed grad,
Under no circumstances mention Bush or Iraq
When talking to my Dad.

His blood commences boiling;
It's like he's on a launching pad
Ready to rocket into a spiel,
So please don't upset my Dad.

Dad, may the aches and pains of age
Ease up and not be quite as bad
So that this Father's Day will become
One of the best you've ever had.