You…
- Were a bit of a rebel in your youth and got expelled from school, yet still went on to become a very successful businessman (and dad…)
- Took over the family business the year I was born and since built it up into a mini empire that you should always look back on and be incredibly proud of.
- Have always worked so very hard to ensure we had the best life, in turn installing a strong work ethic in both of us (I don’t care if you worry you worked too hard when I was little; it made the time we spent with you even more special).
- Never really got angry with us, even when Ed spilt a cup of coffee over the VCR and flooded the house by bringing the garden hose into the living room.
- Were always so very patient when I was learning how to read, write and do maths, even when you were tired after a long day at work.
- Always organised imaginative and wonderful games at our birthday parties that had us squealing with delight, and me having a tantrum at some point because I didn’t win all of the prizes.
- (Appeared to have) a relaxed attitude to me going out with my friends aged 15, you imposed a curfew and instead taught me that it was about having a two-way trust. I never abused that and only hope I can be as fair on my own teenage daughter.
- Were apparently very nervous when I went out on my first date, but never let on, meaning I felt independent and not smothered. And home by 11pm!
- Taught me to drive on an old airfield when I was 16, even though you held onto the handbrake all the time.
- Were very disappointed with me when I had a mini-car crash aged 17. And since then I have only ever wanted to make you proud of me.
- Had tears in your eyes as you waved me off at Heathrow on my gap year and wrote me an email every single day, with a different song title in the subject each time. Being 8,000 miles away from home, especially when Grandma died, meant more to me than you know.
- Know more about music than even Stu does. And still love to go to gigs and discover new bands (PS: bagsie the Wurlitzer!!)
- Have more energy than anyone I know of even my age, still row with the same crew you did aged 16 and still hold the best parties.
- Gave me the twinkle in my ‘eye’ for art and design and inspired my love for Pop Art.
- Always inspire me to stand back, reflect and look at things from other people’s point of view, as well as ‘not eat an elephant whole’.
- Taught me it is always better to leave a party (and anything in life) before the end. Something I always try to do.
- Always offer calming, well thought-out and considered advice when I’m worried or stressed.
- Say its better to travel hopefully, than to arrive.
- Gave me your eyes, strong jaw and high cheekbones, but thankfully not your hair…
Happy father’s day, Daddy-O; you rock.
All my love, AD xx
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