i actually cannot believe it, my dad is now 70 years old. somehow having 4 rioting kids didn't end him earlier (even if it did send him grey as anything) and here we are. i have so many wonderful memories of my dad as a kid. he was always right there when i needed him, would read us books, make up ridiculous stories (mostly about tintin and captain haddock) and just be everything i needed. i am the youngest after 4 boys and i was certainly made to feel special - i was just always his little possum. and he still calls me that to this day.
he is so. much. fun. always ready with a joke, or laughing at something we've said or done, but isn't afraid to tell us if we are out of line or heading off the right path. he's honestly just the best dad and all my friends will tell you that too. he has fixed 1000 broken things in my house, hung everything on the walls, made me things he didn't want to make... and still loves me. my all time favourite was his endless complaints about making a stable for my willow tree nativity and complaining non stop about it, only to write "to jade from your ever loving dad" on the bottom when he finished it. it makes me laugh every single year when i unpack it.
my dad is the most well read person i know and just seems to know everything about everything. i love when he tells me about a book he's read recently and gets so excited to share what he has learned.
dad has worked at western power since long before i was born and took a transfer to the northam depot shortly before i turned 4. i've loved growing up visiting him at work and climbing the steps to his office that overlooked the mechanical workshop. meeting his co-workers was incredible, people who always had time for me too and would tell me just how great my dad is.
he's just a grade a bloke. he always has time for everyone and has been such an amazing example of service to me throughout my life. i love him for everything he's taught me, most importantly how to be what othe's need. he really paid attention when they taught "bear another's burden that it may be light."
neil. you are such an amazing human being and such a wonderful example to everyone. i truly have been blessed with the best. happy 70th birthday dad. ❤
