my dad.

This is my handsome dad with his beautiful girl. He is 74 years old today. I don't think he looks a day over 64. Happy Birthday Dad! Rather than a long, elaborate post with millions of pictures, I am going to try to keep this simple and tell you why I love him so much and count myself as one of the luckiest 8 kids in the world to have him as my father.

Joel Richard Temple. Son. Brother. Husband. Father. Uncle. Allergist. Teacher. My Dad is faithful. Since being converted to the church over 35 years ago, he has been faithful. Faithful to his beliefs, faithful in his responsibilities, faithful to my Mom. My Dad is who I turn to first when I need some serious council. He knows what is right, and he'll remind me. As I've mentioned before, he is a letter writer. The old fashioned kind...you know, with a pen and paper? He has gorgeous pens. Lots of them. All for writing letters when he feels inspired. And he does get inspired, I know it. He is able to write the most beautiful things. Things you want to read over and over again. He wrote my mom a letter while she was here, telling her how much he missed her and how hugely important she is in his life. Who does that? Seriously. My Dad does.

He gives and gives. He would give anything to his children. I think that is partly why he makes a nice amount of money...so that he can give it to people that he loves. I always felt very secure growing up. I still do. He somehow knows when my little family is strapped, and will send a blessing our way.

He makes me laugh. I don't remember laughing a whole lot with him when I was younger, but man...he has really gotten silly in his old age. :) Laughing makes me happy. Laughing makes things seem less stressful. He made me laugh today...and I really needed that.

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you so very much.