Happy Memorial Day (a month later) and Happy Father's Day (right on time)!
I had originally intended to write some pithy and heart-wrenching exposition on how I cry whenever I hear "America the Beautiful" and how patriotism never dies, but then poison ivy infested my body and I decided that maybe America wasn't that great after all.
And I'm not even going to say I'm joking.
But there ain't no poison ivy that's going to come in between me and my love for my Dad, besides the fact that he says that I fell off the Ugly Tree and hit every branch.
Shane is the most fun-loving, swine-obsessing, courageous-hearted man I know. He loves God, his family, his country, and making my life a veritable hell with all of his teasing (but don't worry, it's mutual). My Mom has banned our bantering from all family group chats and the dinner table, but that won't stop us from annoying everyone in our proximity with endless inside jokes. I laugh more with him than anybody else in the whole world and I miss him so much when we don't see each other frequently.
I made a decision early on in life to spend as much as time as possible with my parents and family, which is something that I have never regretted. Doing so has come so naturally, as my Dad has always put us first above everything. He is such an impassioned person, who seems to lap up all the juices that life has to offer and then sucks out the marrow too. He is always learning, always dreaming, and always coming up with clever quips that he directs at me when my mom is out of earshot.
Shane is my ultimate hero, there's just no other way to say it. He wrote me a handwritten letter every week of my mission and has skied so much at Snowbird with me that my Mom begged him to cut back so that I would meet a man (cue the eye rolls). He has the kindest and most generous heart, paired with a fierce love of that which is right. I love my country, largely due to the fact that he has given so much to serve and protect it. When I look at the flag and witness the greatness of the United States of America, I think of him, for he seems to embody all that I love about it. I am grateful to him and all others who give so much to make this place a wonderful (albeit imperfect) place to live, noxious plants and all. My Dad has inspired all of us to live good lives and to enjoy and value the most important things above all else. Most of all, he loves my Mom more than air, which I think is the most beautiful gift a father could give to his children. I love him so much.
What a man.
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| HIS CRAZY EYES KILL ME IN THIS. Also, I am so grateful for all of the other men in my life, especially that boy to the left with the frozen smile. He is going to be the most incredible father someday to all of the future Ostler-Birrell squishes coming our way. (Not pregnant) |
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| The best ski buddy around. Taught him everything I know. |
