Happy 70th Birthday Dad!
Alan the Awesome playing with Stringrays in Grand Cayman.
Ezekiel's 2nd birthday
With Ezekiel Dec 2007
With Grandpa and little brother Thane at the hospital November 2008 
As a child, one of my greatest memories was when it was "Hat Day" at school and last minute I didn't have a hat to wear so my Dad helped me rig up this funny old white plastic hat with a simple orange flower sticking out of it. It was so tacky and I didn't want to wear it. But at 8 years old, I was missing the point - it's supposed to be tacky!
To a grade four kid coming home from school carrying a ribbon with 'first place' for the best hat on it was a pretty big deal. I was really proud and beaming from ear to ear. Once again, my Dad had shown me, where there's a will there's a way. I think I really learned from him to turn my stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Tenacity...it's a great gift to give your children. And not to mention creativity.
My Dad and I on a boat cruise in Grand CaymanMy Dad is a next to none......wonderful human being and still at 33 I think he's a remarkable father. Here are some pictures of our ever expanding family....that without him, simply would not be here.
Grand Cayman Visit - April 2006
Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada - July 2006
Christmas Eve on the Beach blowing off fireworks for Zeke's 2nd birthday - Dec 2007As you can see Zeke was incredibly excited....or scared?
I am grateful to my Dad because he has always urged me to 'face the music', to take ownership and claim my choices in life and move forward, even if it's the most difficult thing I have to do.
I have watched my Dad slowly but steadily choose to pick himself up and carry on since my Mom Natalie died coming up eight years ago. His ability to "keep on keep on" is definately noticed by his children. I owe a great deal of my durability to him.
I learned from the best- it is part of what has enabled me to move through my Mom's death with a great amount of fortitude and perseverance. Under that amiable demeanour there is much strength and steadfastness. You don't chose your family, least of all your parents....but, I know I am very fortunate to have a Dad like Al-Trick.
Thank you for your mysterious infection of goodness that you infuse into our lives. The name for this infection is LOVE.
Thank you for your own around the corner brand of hope that prompts us to move forward. Thank you for your compassion, commitment, loyalty and perseverance, and so on..... yadda...yadda...
I really couldn't ask for a more stable loving father! (except when it comes to climbing ladders - stability wouldn't be your forte.....sorry, I had to!)
You ARE a good man Dad and I'm proud to call you MY DAD.
Now that you're 70, you should be doing way more of this (in Grand Cayman of course)!
