[ to an incredible man ]

   within him, there is a world of potential that awaits. things that people ought to learn from him. things that should be passed on. a man worth a million words that others should have the time with. he's another person that everyone would benefit from being around.

   he's always been a solid structure.

   someone i knew i could always depend on. will always depend on.

   calm and confident.

   a quiet and peaceful demeanor. not overly talkative, not one who says much - but when he does, people listen. it's something worth hearing.

   he chews his words. and the ones he speaks hold authority. he's much wiser than he realizes - and beyond that, his words and actions impact people more than he knows.

   consequently, people respect him simply because he is who he is.

   he's not afraid to voice his opinion and stand by it.

   he's sharp and direct with the things he says. there's no questions left afterwards, not often needing clarification.

   he's thoughtful.

   he has this ability to assess situations and grab little bits to bring them to focus instead of the problem; the problem becomes the background noise, while other things become the foreground, things that require the attention.

   he makes things so simple.

   seemingly difficult situations somehow lose their complexity and become simple. easy to overcome.

   although he may come across as hard, he has this incredible amount of compassion for people. he has a soft heart. it's not something that may open up easily, but if you get the chance to hear it.. it's beautiful.

   he's sensitive.

   again not something perhaps easily seen - but there is a sensitivity there that God uses.

   the moments we spend together are priceless.

   it's hilarious because we both give so much effort to make sure that we're both happy and are doing okay - when in reality, we should just relax and let it go since we are so similar in that way.

   some of my favorite memories are just walking and talking with him. opening up and going into the heart of things. hearing his voice speak encouragement over me builds a sense of comfort. knowing that he is behind me one hundred percent. no doubt.

   there is a structural creativity that is inside him. he sees the lines and the way things meet and the order created. he sees the beauty captured within a lens of a camera. he admires the art in the creation around him.

   the pictures he captures are direct compositions of the beauty he sees around him. impacting compositions.

   his hands create amazing things. he can build whatever he puts his mind to.

   his critical eye may see all the faults afterwards - but the reality is that his efforts are always the best and the outcome is better than expected. what he makes is quality.

   everything he does is done with quality.

   he does not skimp.

   not on time. not on resources.

   he knows how to invest and spend time.

   especially with his daughter.

   there's nothing more he loves than spending time together with her. and she loves nothing more than to have an adventure with her dad. the bond between the two of them is something special, made of something strong.

   she's always been lifted by a single word from him, from a look, from a hug.

   he's got this great smile and joyful laughter.

   his eyes sparkle when he laughs.

   the way he goofs around always guarantees a laugh in return. ever since she was little, his daughter has always laughed easily at his jokes, his teasing.

   because of their similarities, the two of them can read one another clearly. fortunately, and unfortunately sometimes, they can cause a shift in mood between them - because they are so much alike.

   she has benefited from his patient teaching. his wise words. his soft spoken yet direct nature. and even from the rough times. because the bond was only built stronger.

   this man is my one and only dad. he's meant the world to me over the years and only grows in stature.

   my dad is an incredible man. he has and always will have a big influence in my life.

   he has loved and cared for me over the years in such a beautiful way.

   i love him so much..