Dad, even when it may have seemed like i wasn't listening...

I was.

Last night i was listening to Stevie Wonder's i just called to say i love you ...

No New Year's Day to celebrate

No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away

No first of spring

No song to sing

In fact here's just another ordinary day ...

...

I just called to say I love you

I just called to say how much I care

And it got me thinking. Why don't I let my loved ones know how much they mean to me? I mean on Birthdays and Christmas and on Thanksgiving I always show my appreciation, but why don't I do it more often? Why must there be a special occasion? There is no answer nor reason.

So dad, I thought I'd start with you.

Dad, thanks for...

1) Reminding me that when I am frustrated or when I think things seem unfair, sometimes the best thing to do is "Just grin and bare it."

2) Editing my countless English, Communication, History, etc. etc. papers. The phone conversation usually goes like this...

"Hi dad."

"Hi Kathleen."

"What are you doing?"

"Getting ready for bed. What are you doing?"

"Writing a paper."

"When is it due?"

"Tomorrow."

"..... ok."

"You think you can look at it in the morning?"

"..... sure."

"Thanks dad. Love you. Goodnight."

"Love you too. Goodnight."

3) Introducing me to some of my favorite films... "Going my Way", "Singing in the Rain", "The Sound of Music".

4) Sending me clippings from the Chicago Tribune whenever you see a column about the UW or the city of Madison. Even if it's about bike paths and helmet safety.

5) Surprising me with a blueberry muffin every once in a while when I was in high school. You'd make a run to get coffee before work, and then you'd drop off the muffin for me because you knew they were my favorite. What a wonderful way to wake up.