We share more than just great looks. The life and love you have shared with mom is unmatched. Teaching me dedication, understanding, compromise, and partnership are essential in relationships.
There are too many experiences to mention them all, so here are a few.
Golf extravaganzas, including the 54 holes in one day.
Four top 10 finishes in the father and son tournaments.
Win or lose, it didn't matter.
Every time was amazing.
Our most exciting golf experience in the birthplace of the sport, to walk the old course and play a round of golf along the North Sea. So many big events, but every Saturday round, it's just as meaningful when I get to share it with you. I fondly remember every visit as a kid to Old Yankee Stadium. The day we took the stadium tour together, walked on the field, and sat in the dugout, and all the games at the new stadium we've enjoyed together.
The many years we bowled together, we are a pretty good team, though we weren't as dedicated as Joe, who told us he practiced at home by bowling into his couch. I still smile and laugh every time I think about what his couch must have looked like.
We have had many trips together exploring history, like the Freedom Trail in Boston, the Air and Space in DC, our trip to Gettysburg, more recently together in Scotland, the castles, palaces, and cathedrals, and the Queen's Yacht. History has always connected us.
Pepper loved you most. Sharing leftover breakfast milk probably helped that. And Honey loved you even more. Tracy and my pets through the years have always loved you. They say animals can tell the goodness of the soul of a person, and based on that idea, the jury has come in positive for you.
We spent many days jumping the waves, dodging the jellyfish. That day a paddleboard through the monsoon, dinner at Men's, and a night on the boardwalk in Bobby D's Arcade. The beach was home and a place that brought our family together.
Looking back, I know there were struggles, but Ken and I never saw them. We only saw the love and the life you worked so hard to give us. You taught us independence, from painting a red fence on Stone Road to doing my own laundry, learning to cook and take care of the house. You were always by our sides.
On my court date for my first feeding ticket, I remembered the other guy in court who had a car full of stolen radios. He stood alone, claimed to the judge that the charges were no good because none of the stuff was his. He was there for a serious offense and stood alone. I was there for a simple one, but you stood by my side.
Through it all, you provided guidance, support, and love. That has shaped my life. As we celebrate your 80 years, just know my 48 years have been as wonderful as they are because of you and mom. What a journey.
Your life is full because it's grounded in love, family, and friends. And this has been a look at it through the eyes of a son. You are an incredible person, pretty darn good golfer, knowledgeable about lots of things, but most important, you are dad.
Happy 80th birthday to many more adventures we'll share together. I'm so excited to the years ahead.
Your son, Brian.