retired.

Yesterday was my dad's last day of work....ever.

My dad worked for 43 years and never called in sick (well, until Amelia was born and then he called in for three days just to spend time with her every day).

He started working with the phone company before he was drafted and returned to the same job a few years later when he got back from Thailand.

He worked his way up the ladder (sometimes literally as a lineman) and finished his years there as a pretty big deal :)

When my sister and I were embarking on college, my dad made the decision to use his retirement money that was being put away to pay for our college tuition so that we would never have to pay student loans.  That is something I will NEVER forget.  He worked many many years past his retiring date so that he could do that for us.   He ended up having to work until he was 62 (HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!) so that he could get social security.

It was a huge sacrifice, but that's just the kind of guy my dad is.

My heart is so full with the love and support he has shown my family through the years.  My sister, mom and I never wanted for anything.  He worked hard to make sure that we always had a roof over our head and food on the table.  

I feel so blessed to have such a hard-working, loving, and kind dad.

I feel blessed to have him here with us every single day.

I feel blessed that Amelia has such an awesome grampy that talks to her non stop, and sings silly songs to her, and teaches her how to roll over.

My dad is my hero.

Dear Dad,

Happy Birthday today.

Happy Retirement yesterday.

I love you so much and I am so proud to be your daughter.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything that you did for our family and for everything that you continue to do.

You are the best.

I love you.

xo

janel

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