I have a wonderful Dad and I have incredible memories. He is THE most generous man I know. He’s taught me a lot over the years about Faith, Hope, and Love.

My Dad worked hard to leave the impoverished life he was raised in behind. He studied Design at a Tech school in Edmonton, Alberta, and for many decades designed the most beautiful places, buildings, spaces, and homes I have ever seen, but I may be a bit biased… he is my Daddio after all! At the height of his design career, he was rated #8 in all of Canada.

I loved going to work with him and as a child, I remember checking out the bathrooms in every place we went… I find myself still doing this from time to time. I coloured on extra blueprints from jobs he had done, played with the miniature models of homes and office spaces, and collected colour samples from home build-it stores (k, I still do this one too). I would sit at his desk and pretend that I too was a designer; I would take over his business ~ and share in his legacy.

He took us camping, taught us how to ride our bikes, and built us forts and tree houses in our backyards. He took us horseback (then bought us horses) and let us keep the stray kittens and puppies we’d bring home. He took us shopping and to the park to fly kites. Sit next to him and he automatically rubs your back… put up your feet and they get a rub too. He bought us flowers and chocolate on Valentine’s Day and taught us how to drive. He let us go Trick or Treating when my Mom went out of town. He watched us go out on dates and then flick the lights on and off if we didn’t come in from the car quick enough. He took us to the beach, with his socks and shoes on, and built sandcastles as you’ve never seen before. He worked hard to provide for our family and was there to drive us to school or pick us up and see us perform in our performances. He was our paparazzi!

Thank you, Daddio for the memories, the life lessons, and the example you have been. You’ve earned a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and man’s… including one who is proud to be Daddy’s little girl.

I love you!