Happy Birthday, Dad!
Today marks the birthday of the greatest man I know, my father, Steve Dahl. To many, he is an entertainer, a friend- some would even say a genius! While he is all these things to my family and me, he definitely is a whole lot more. He is our loving father.
For 21 years now, I have never met a better man than the one who raised me. My dad has made countless sacrifices in his life in order to better provide for my brothers and I, even though at times we have completely taken him for granted. He has carefully helped to shape us into the young men we have grown to become, with love, discipline, and general lessons for life. My dad is the kind of guy who seems to have it all figured out, and whenever he shares a lesson (although we act like we don’t care), we are typically paying close attention knowing that some day we can impress somebody with our vast knowledge of how the world works.
Day after day he heads to work, putting the utmost energy and enthusiasm into his show not only because he loves to do it, but also because the family depends on it. Many days he returned home to a chaotic house full of boys, with little to no acknowledgment of the day’s great show and his hard work. It is easy to become accustomed to having things provided for you, and although this may have been the case, it never deterred my dad. He is not one to seek a thank you, and does not need to own credit. He constantly gives without asking for any thing in return. Without him, we would not be privileged to the quality of life we currently maintain, and for that we are truly grateful. Today, I am old enough to understand just how extensively I owe my father for everything in my life, and hopefully I can someday try and return the favor.
As far as having a dad goes, we have the funniest. Hands down. I can’t even begin to list the hilarious family memories we have, most of them spearheaded or enhanced by a great line from Dad. They can be as simple as the image of dad in a sleeping bag on an RV (we called it the human burrito), or the result of another entertainingly petty family fight. He taught us that any potentially awkward, scary, or uncomfortable situation can easily be remedied with a little bit of laughter, one of the greatest gifts in this world.
Today, on his birthday, I hope my dad understands how much we truly appreciate him, and how enormous our love for him is. He is our rock, our dad, and our friend. He is our Boomer.
We still have the 'Little Boy Peeing" statue in the backyard, unfortunately it doesn't work anymore because my brothers and I once shoved a stick in the plumbing, if you know what I mean.
Comments
Matt, that was very well said. I am much older than you but I can remember when I realized how tough it was to be a Dad and how great a job my Dad did. He passed last October, but his life lessons will be carried forward. Spend time with your parents!!!!
Posted by: Dan Hartwig | November 21, 2006 01:15 PM
Matt,
You made me a little teary eyed. My dad died 16 years ago, I never told him what I thought of him. For that I am ashamed, I am very happy that you did that for your dad and yourself.
As for your statue, we saw the real thing in Belgium, my son would probably have put a stick in it if given the opportunity.
Posted by: Sue | November 21, 2006 09:41 PM
Matt -
I was reminded of my Dad when I read your letter to Steve. My Dad was my best friend, and while I was able to express to him how much he meant to me while he was here (he passed away in 1995) I miss him very much. One of the most precious things we share is our relationship with our Fathers. My wife and I love your show.
Posted by: Jim Hennessy | November 22, 2006 12:12 PM
Matt,
Those are some of the nicest words I have ever read. I am sure that your posting is probably one of the best birthday gifts your dad has ever recieved.
As a Steve Dahl fan, I always felt that your father was functionally disfunctional for many years. I think he would have drank himself to death a few years ago, without the love and support of Janet and his boys.
It's no secret that the most important thing in his life is his family. Fortunately for you and for listeners like myself, he was able to get help and quit drinking.
It's great to know that you feel that way about your dad and are able to express it. That's pretty special.
Best of luck to you and your family over the holidays.
Bill
Posted by: Bill Phillips | November 22, 2006 07:56 PM
Matt,
You made me cry! I can only imagine how great it would be to have Steve as a dad. You're a lucky guy, but then he's pretty lucky to have you, too!
Good luck with the Thanksgiving show. I'll be listening while I cook.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | November 22, 2006 09:39 PM
Matt,
What an endearing sentiment you expressed for your father. Indeed, you are a lucky guy. You dad is so funny, and your mom is so sweet and smart. I guess you have the best parents possible! Good luck with your show, and with your life! You are a dynamic person..and with the great genes you have..you cannot go wrong!
Posted by: Joan French | November 22, 2006 11:26 PM
I HAVE LISTENED TO YOUR DAD
SINCE IS WAS IN 6TH GRADE!
I'M 43 NOW. I WAS PREGNANT
WITH MY DAUGHTER VANESSA
AT THE SAME TIME YOUR MOM
WAS PREGNANT WITH YOU. I SPOKE TO STEVE ON THE PHONE
DURING THE ROLEDEX THING THEY DID. HE CALLED ME AT
WORK. I LIVE IN ARIZONA NOW
AND I MISS LISTENING EVERYDAY. GIVE YOUR DAD MY BEST
Posted by: sandy | November 23, 2006 02:36 PM
Matt - You're way too young to be thanking your dad for being such a great guy, I didn't start appreciating mine until my 30s. I also wish you had a sister (no, nothing like that) so we could've heard some opinions from your dad as guys came to the house to date her. I'm also sure your mom would've loved a daughter to balance the frat house a little! FYI, Mike Kessler
Posted by: Mike Kessler | November 27, 2006 09:20 PM
You're wise beyond your years. The love you all have for each other is the only drug you all will ever need. Laugh loud and love hard!!
Posted by: lisa curry | January 5, 2007 05:41 AM