Happy Birthday Honey!

Born on April 12 forty-some years ago, Dan weighed 8.5 lbs and measured 21 inches long. The youngest of 3 children, Dan was the “baby” of the family and the cheeriest. According to his mother, Dan used to “wake up singing” in the morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Other stories I've come to know revolve around Dan’s boyhood mischief and adventure. Like the time when Dan walked out of the house and wandered aimlessly around the neighborhood. He was 2 years old! I can just imagine the agonizing moments his mother endured while searching for him with the help of neighbors. And later, incredible relief when they found him a few blocks away from home. Or like the time when he was ordered to “Stay in the closet, or else!” as punishment for misbehaving. While in the closet, nature called, and suffice it to say that Dan unduly baptized his brother’s favorite train set. Then there was the time when Dan and his friend decided to play a prank on their friends. One cold, winter morning, the two boys decided to water the driveway. After some time, they proceeded to call friend after friend asking each one to “come over and play.” Unbeknownst to these poor boys, the driveway had been coated with a thin sheet of ice, causing them to slip and slide on their bikes. Luckily, no one was hurt and they all had a good laugh out of it.
Ah, childhood memories.
Mischief and pranks aside, Dan grew up in a very loving home with a mother who sacrificed greatly in order that her children could have a stable home. As a 12-year old boy, Dan was the youngest All-Star to play for PAL Football. He was also voted MVP in his baseball league. In college, Dan graduated from San Jose State University with honors and a member of the Dean’s List. Today, Dan is a husband and father with three young children. Along with those roles and responsibilities, he is also the family’s handyman, mechanic, gardener, weekend chef, occasional laundry person, comic relief, and sports coach. Dan also helps with the nightly routine by doing the dishes every night after dinner. He is a man with many hats. Of all the hats he wears, one of his favorites is the one labeled "Coach Daddy". He derives great pleasure in coaching his children's sports activities and teaching them about nuances of the game. He delights in watching them compete as he once did. At 6’4”, Dan looms large on and off the field. With a booming voice to match, he has earned a reputation for being a “mildly-intense and boisterous” coach. It is not unusual to see him exchanging good-humored quips with the other coaches, or engaging in friendly banter with team parents on the sidelines. As a coach, Dan also has a serious side. He coaches with the very best intentions of helping the children reach their fullest potential. His coaching style would be a tremendous asset to any team.
So today, on his forty-something birthday, we wish him lifelong health, happiness, and togetherness as a family.
Happy Birthday Honey!