Happy Birthday Dad

"Hit me in the chest."

My love of softball was cultivated on the green, beautifully kept lawn of our Farmington, MN home. My dad would spend hours after a long day of work, coaching me (and my sisters -- and neighbor kids too) tossing us pop-ups, grounders, and pitching to us. As we grew up and got a little better, the game moved to the closest softball field because of the number of windows we broke at the house.

I'm not sure why my dad started coaching that summer in ND. He had coached Little League baseball teams and had played and coached many men's softball teams. I'm thankful anyway that he had the patience to take on a team of 13 year old girls. We had a pretty successful run throughout our six summers of playing for him, which included 2 national tournament appearances.

My dad is by far the best coach I've ever had, in any sport. He takes a team, and inspires them to come together and fuels within them a strong desire to win. He teaches the fundamentals and specifics of the game, but also teaches a passion for the game. With his coaching, I became a pretty tough minded athlete. I also developed a love for coaching, which turned into a love for teaching as well.

Off the field, my dad coached me to be the person I am today. He gave me the tools to be successful. You will never meet a more patient, hard working, and loving man. He instilled the virtues of honesty, integrity, and responsibilty into each of his four girls. He used to make a mean tomato soup and grilled cheese. His cullinary arts have expanded into fine meals such as PF Changs Lettuce Wraps. He instilled a love of the Minnesota Twins in all of us. I am proud he is my dad.

I can only think of one gift to give my dad that will truly do justice to the job he has done.

Grandbabies. That he can love all over again.

And teach interesting and important things to. For example, "the shake".

Happy birthday Dad. Thank you for everything you have done for me in the past, and all the unconditional love you have shown. You are truly the world's best dad, and coach. Thanks for being you.

Love you!