Crystal Aura Gaze

Happy 70th to the number one world’s greatest Dad! 

Dad, thank you for always being there for me. You have always been so kind, patient, and understanding as a father. You’ve encouraged me to be independent and make my own choices, but have always been there to lean on when I need help or advice.

I have so many wonderful childhood memories of us together. I will always be grateful that you let me have my two cats growing up, that you helped me take care of them, and that we bonded over going to vet appointments together. (RIP Buttermilk and Penelope.) And in my teen years you let me have pet chickens and we built their pen together. You and I were the only animal lovers in our family!

I always looked forward to Sunday nights, the one night a week that we were allowed to drink soda, I drank a root beer and you had your beer. As a family, we watched the Simpsons and then Malcolm in the Middle, and Hal was your favorite character. And of course, all of those reruns of Seinfeld, and later on Curb Your Enthusiasm, with your favorite, Leon Black. 

I’m so grateful that you’ve continued to support me in adulthood, that you enjoy my tarot readings, you buy my books, and you read all of my blog posts. I really enjoy us playing Wordle every day and sending each other our scores. I love that you have so many passions and hobbies — from sailing, to tennis, to horse therapy volunteer work, and so much more. You’re always keeping busy and staying active, always surrounded by friends — in fact, you have a better social life than I do!

You have taught me to be patient, to not worry so much, to look at the big picture. You often quote Grandmother’s words, “a hundred years from now, who’ll know the diff?” Your attitude is never defeated. You are the most optimistic and levelheaded person I know!