Friday, May 18, 2012

THE GREATEST MAN I KNOW...

...was born 78 years ago, today...and is younger at heart than ever.  He isn't a movie star, or the president, though he is, and/or could have been all that and more, in my eyes.  He's my dad...Arvid Carl Anderson...Andy, to those that could never get the Swedish name right.
Born to Catherine and Carl Anderson, in 1934...little brother to Robert, and a joy to everyone who has ever known him!  And, I'm not just making that up, either.
Loves his cars fast...
and his women faster!  I know, she looks so innocent - I think it's the glasses.
Had a couple of kids...OK, had three kids, but the first one was definitely the cutest and smartest, and has always looked to her dad as a hero and inspiration.  He knows "some shit about some stuff", boy, and is always my "go-to" person for answers to questions I can't find the answer to.  A walking encyclopedia - my kids will still say, "Call Grandpa" if we can't figure out the answer to something, to this day.  And, man, is he funny!
Grandpa to seven; Great-grandpa to three, so far.  The best grandpa, and friend, any of them could have ever hoped for!
The best friend and companion my Mom could ever have hoped for...though she does think that cute Cuban actor on Dancing With the Stars is particularly hot, right now ("fast", I tell you!).
The smartest, most handsome, best dad; teacher; AND FRIEND, I could ever have hoped for...though I do think that cute Cuban actor on Dancing With the Stars is particularly hot, right now (apple doesn't fall far, I guess!).
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR DADDY...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TO YOU!"  Hope your day is as wonderful as you are - have TWO margaritas tonight, and think of me, thinking of you!  See you in a few weeks...can't wait!  XOXOXO  Tony

15 comments:

Dorthe said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR DAD, my dear friend, what a sweet and loving post , he must be so proud to read it.
HUGS to you ,and a happy week-end ,too.
XO Dorthe

oldgreymare said...

Happy Birthday Tanya's Dad!

xx
z

Jackie said...

Happy Birthday Arvid! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Colleen Mcgraw said...

What a wonderful write up about your dad...he must be something special, Happy Birthday Avid.

bj said...

awww, he is so cute with his jeans rolled up...those pictures sure brought back memories for me. :) white sox, uh hu....!
Mr. Sweet is the same age as your daddy and he is all those same things you mentioned here. :) Especially the SMART part...:)
Happiest Birthday to your sexy daddy in the big cowboy hat...much cuter than that ole dancer you and your fast mama drool over.
xoxoxo bj

bj said...

awww, he is so cute with his jeans rolled up...those pictures sure brought back memories for me. :) white sox, uh hu....!
Mr. Sweet is the same age as your daddy and he is all those same things you mentioned here. :) Especially the SMART part...:)
Happiest Birthday to your sexy daddy in the big cowboy hat...much cuter than that ole dancer you and your fast mama drool over.
xoxoxo bj

Anne said...

Hello! And what a wonderful birthday tribute to your Dad...I did one for mine back in January, although I don't have him here with me now ~ you are so blessed to still have yours! I've just found your lovely blog, and I'm a new follower...so nice to "meet" you!
Best,
Anne

Mary said...

Happy Birthday to your cute father! What a wonderful tribute - he must be some kinda guy!

Createology said...

Lovely tribute. How wonderful to have such a great dad! Happy birthday Arvid...

DearHelenHartman said...

What a sweet way of recognizing such a special man. The photos that tell the story of his life are wonderful and make me happy I stopped by to say Happy B-day (late) to your dad.

Katie@LeBeauPaonVictorien said...

Hi Tanya,
What a great birthday tribute to your Dad! He and your Mom sound like wonderful fun people...I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?? ;-)

Ronna said...

Happy Birthday Tanya's dad! Very touching narrative about your dad.

Colleen said...

Belated Happy Birthday to your dad and loved the old pictures!

Melanie Schofield said...

Lucky you for having such a wonderful father! Happy Birthday Arvid!

Cindy said...

I am a little late wishing your Dad a Happy Birthday! Love the post and such a handsome man!