Happy Birthday, Father Extraordinaire

Father Figure, Fad, Daddy-boy, Fath, T.O.M., Dad -- collector of broken motorcycles and all things mechanical, space out extraordinaire with hands so tough that you can pick up fire and not get injured, I salute you.  "I couldn't have ordered a better" dad.  You may have "put the clamp down" when  necessary but you always supported me and built me up.  The nicest thing that any dad can do for his daughter is give her self confidence and instill good morals without sacrificing her freedom.  You did that for me and I appreciate it.  Afterall, how else would I know "you have a head, use it.  If not, you might as well be all ass".  I do, however, blame my excessively loud talking that I still maintain to this day, on you.  "Dad, dad, daaad!"  Are you still listening!  Like you, I "visit other planets" in my mind on a daily basis.  I think it's good for the soul.  I have not yet picked up the unconscious blurting out of the F dash, dash, dash word, but I fear it's coming.  Who are you talking to anyway?  I've always wanted to know.  We all want to know.  You are one strange and interesting dude, Dale Clark.  "I don't care what anybody says, you're alright."  I've always been proud to call you my dad.  I'm lucky to know you, I'm lucky to have you in my life, and I'm especially lucky to have such a great person to model my life after.  You really are the best.  I always felt loved, I always knew you supported me, and being in your home was and still feels like the safest place in the world.  Thank you for that security and thank you for giving me the courage and confidence to go out in the world and share my gifts with others. Generosity is your greatest gift and you've definitely passed that on to Zach.  You would do anything for anyone and you never want anything in return, even when you can really use it.  You have to be pretty crafty to give Dale payment for a favor.  You are not just a good man, you're one of the greats.  I love you with my whole heart.  We picked well when we picked each other.  Happy birthday, dad.  I look forward to many more lessons in life from you.