Grandaddy!

It was brought to my attention that I have only mentioned Grandad (my dad) once on this blog. I couldn't believe it...so I went back and checked. Apparently its true! Hard to believe because my dad is such a huge part of our lives. We see him EVERY day. Multiple times a day! So, I couldn't go another minute without paying tribute to him!

My dad ("Ed" as my sister calls him) is the most interesting, smart, compassionate, and generous man I know. He has always lived his life with a positive outlook on everything. He has always been there for my sister and I. Growing up, he was the dad all of our friends loved. He has an uncanny ability to make friends with everyone. He worked very hard all of our lives to provide for us, and enable my mom to stay home and take care of us. On weekends he attended my sister's piano competitions and my swim meets. He handled living with three women with such ease! Putting out fires left and right, and always the mind of reason. He worked hard (and with the help of my mother handling the finances) put my sister and I through college without any student loans! (Something I am sooooo grateful for!)

He was always there for us. And he still is! When I was raising Kamden on my own, it was my dad that jumped at every opportunity to help me out. He mowed my grass every week, washed my car (Ok, he still washes my car) picked Kamden up from school, walked my dog!! He is an awesome grandfather. He hasn't ever missed anything of Kamden's either....from school plays to Thanksgiving feasts to field days. He continues to pick him up from school every day and take him to karate. He is a huge help during the week. He

And he has been great with Kendall too. He loves her so much. He comes over to visit her, like I said, every day! He also helps out when my mom needs a break. At first, I think he was a little afraid of her, but now he's good! I have never laughed so hard in my life watching my dad change a dirty diaper. He's all thumbs and when he's really concentrating he sticks his tongue out. He also tried to put her onesie on over her pants. He is a goofball. Oh, and I almost forgot...(my mother will be so thrilled that I posted this) he got a tattoo on his arm in honor of Kendall (without consulting anyone!) That's my dad!

My dad is not only an amazing man to his family, but to the community as well. In his retirement, he fills his time with working in the church, working with the youth groups, volunteering with the city Police Department in the Victim's Assistance Program. He also attends multiple meetings a week with AA helping others achieve the sobriety that he has had for 40 some odd years (sorry dad...don't know the exact number.) Needless to say, he is a very giving person. I admire and respect him so much.

And, he's just so freaking fun to be around. Don't get me wrong, Mr. O'Rourke can have an Irish temper, and he's not really a morning person. But, he makes me laugh on a regular basis. He definitely takes everything in stride.

I will never take my dad for granted. I have a lot of friends who have lost their fathers or never really grew up with them around. But, I have been blessed. My dad is amazing.

So, Dad...I love you. Thanks for all you do.