Happy Birthday Dad!!

What a day, back in 1953

Allen Park was introduced to a new Tait, little Henry

All those years pulling pranks and playing on Oceana

But it wasn’t too long before you were on a ship in California

“Hey Tait, want to come to my house to celebrate the holiday?”

“Sure, thanks for the invitation Donnelly.”

Seeing the German shepherds and Rocky may have been scary

But then, of course, in walked Mary.

Back on the ship, and off to Vietnam

And back on the mainland came little Jason.

A couple more children and a move to Michigan

“Schoolcrest looks nice; lets start buildin’.”

Sooner or later you wanted woods and a water well

The obvious option: Move to Farwell

Al Gore screamed as the trees started fallin’

Once you burned a few and the police came callin’

“Hey Dad, where you off to this time?”

“Oh, just up the hill; tryin’ to make some wine.”

These days, grand children run around at your feet

For you and them, the visits are always a treat

“Hey papa, can you help me find a stick for a s’more.”

“What? No, grandma’s lying, I don’t snore.”

It’s difficult to sum up 57 years in a blog post

But here is what I’d like to say most:

You’re a dad with wisdom, integrity and love

You taught by example, always a cut above

You were quick with a buck from your billfold

“Always keep your eye on the ball,” you told

You taught us boys about respect and honor,

to love our wives like you loved Her.

I think it really comes down to one thing:

For us, dad, you are the king.

I know I’m just one lad

But from all of us: We love you and Happy Birthday Dad!