Happy 60Th Birthday Dad!

I guess the Randall Jr. have a little birthday blogging tradition around here. This little post is dedicated to Mr. Randall Sr. 

Happy 60th Birthday Dad! 

From Joe:

Dad,

  Happy 60th birthday!  I hope it was memorable.  I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me.  You are the man I truly look up to and admire.  I admire you for your work ethic, your knowledge and your sacrifices you have made for your family.  You are truly a great man.  You have raised successful and happy children who admire and love you very much.  Your wife has stuck by your side for over half of your life, you have individually become a very successful businessman doing something you love.  And the best part about you is, that everyone who knows you or has dealt with you in any form, always has the same words to describe you.  "Mike is a loyal and honest man who they respect."  People have to earn respect and you have earned it throughout your life, everywhere you go.  I am so proud to call you my dad.  I love you very much and look forward to spending time with you in a short few months.

From Stephanie:

Happy Birthday Mike! 

I always had a dad growing up. I was never one of those girls who would seek the attention of a father figure. I never expected to gain another dad when I married Joe. But that’s what happened. Not only did I get to marry a wonderful man but I gained a second set of parents. I don't think I could have been any luckier.

You're the kind of man that leads by example. You’re not a huge talker. You'd never tell us what to do or how to act unless we wanted your advice. And even then you would be sure to make it clear that it is simply your opinion, your views on a situation.

You’re open about your feelings. On more than one occasion you’ve told me you were proud of me. Out of the blue, for no reason but to tell me I’ve made you proud. Just for being me. It’s one of the best feelings, knowing your dad loves you and appreciates you and your hard work. It means more knowing you said it because you wanted to. Not at an event, not to get attention for yourself, just because you felt it. 

In the few years that we have known each other you have completely opened your home, friends and heart to me. I never expected that. You have shared your passions with me. Not pushing them on me but you answer questions when I ask. Your willing to open up and share. I never have to pry a conversation out of you. 

You’re passionate and devoted. Your strong willed and hard working. You pass on your passions and share your hobbies with your family. You're a true father, not just a weekend dad. A few summers ago you took Joe and I on a tour of the mill and then for a mini tour of some of the land you were working on and processing. Watching you and seeing the pride  you have in your work is inspiring. I want to have career like you. A job I want to show off and am proud of.

You’ve invited Joe and I on vacations. You’ve let us learn how to be adults and grow into our roles in the family. Helping us when we need it, nudging us along. Helping Joe to become the man of our little family. Leading him in the right direction but never pushing him. 

I wish I could do more to show you how much I appreciate you and how much you truly mean to me.

Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day and sleep well knowing you have a family that truly, unconditionally loves you and thinks you are the greatest dad! 
xoxo Stephanie