Happy birthday, Daddy!!!!

On December 12, 1950, in Davenport, Iowa, my beloved father, Forrest Graham Walker, was born. Throughout the past 26 years of my life, he has been there for me whenever I have needed him, in good times and bad. I think because he has taught high schoolers for the past 30 years, he always knew how to relate to me when many of my friends' fathers seemed totally clueless, especially during the awkward teenage years. I have always felt as if I could tell my dad anything, and I think that is pretty rare for a daughter to feel towards her father. My dad is such a compassionate, loving, understanding, generous man, and as I have become an adult and especially a parent, I have realized how much he sacrificed for me growing up. It was his and my mom's goal to put my sister and me through college without us ever having to pay a dime ourselves. We both graduated completely debt-free because they were such savers with their money, and for that, I will eternally be grateful. My father has been the best teacher I have ever had, and I have always looked up to him with great admiration and pride. Daddy, I love you so much, and I am blessed to be your daughter. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you have done for me. You have been and will continue to be my hero! I hope your birthday is as special and wonderful as you are.

Here is a poem that conveys so well how I feel about you, Dad.

You may have thought I didn't see

Or that I hadn't heard

All the life lessons that you've taught me

But I remember every word
Perhaps you thought I missed it all

And that we'd grow apart

But Dad, I picked up everything

It's written on my heart.
Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be the woman I am today

You built a strong foundation that no one can take away
I've grown up with your values

And I'm very glad I did

So here's to you, dear father

From your forever grateful kid.