Jesus.
Who would have thought you would make it this far?
He was born in a refugee camp 65 years ago today during the Second World War.
He wasn't blessed with matinee idol looks.
He's swarthy yet balding.
Manic and frustrated and loving all at once.
He is a champion of his field...true he works 24 hours a day...but gosh darn it...who's going to pay for all those trips to the dentist and all those costly dental procedures (ahem, ahem)...and why waste time playing with your children when they can be safe in the knowledge that someone in the family knows how to work hard and understands the value of a dollar!?
He's a devoted father and grandfather.
He can sleep anywhere, anytime, and in any condition.
He takes 2 seconds to do his hair in the morning...and 5 minutes to get his hair cut.
He's the provider.
He gesticulates.
He delivers babies.
He has a twinkle in his eye...and I'm positive that it is from him that I learnt to be charming and sly at the same time.
Sure he's self-deluded...sure he's a workaholic...control freak...loud...exacting...but these are just signs of someone who lives and works with passion. And honestly, couldn't we all do with a little of what he's having? A lust for life. But he hasn't taken time off to live some of his own life...so go do it gramps before we find you wandering the streets in your dressing gown looking to catch the trolley to the jetty so you can spend a farthing on an iced cream...then it will be too late.
But he's a long way off that...knock on wood...he's young at heart and in spirit and he's the most lovable 65 year old man you're ever going to find...except for that Paul Keating dude...he's fantastic...and so cuddly!
So here's to Dad...Happy Birthday you old bugger!
