Happy Birthday!!!!

Happy B-day to my Dad.

I still cherish the fact that I am lucky enough to have him around. To a dad that never imposes but rather guides. I learned to think from my dad, you know to be able to sit back and believe in what I am seeing, to react, to be able to plan ahead all come from my dad.

There are defining moments in everyone's life with special people who are close to them. They are different for everyone and last only seconds but can burn memories deep and ever lasting.

I still remember the excitement of the day. The "Great" Dayne, Ron Dayne, who played for the Badgers at tailback was set to break the all time NCAA career rushing record and later go on to win the Heisman Trophy for the most valuable player later that season. As we entered the Stadium it was electric, we both new it was going to be special, just how special it was going to be would later be determined.

As Dayne got the ball he broke to his right, turned the corner and ran for about 15-20 yards breaking the all time rushing record. They stopped the game, did a bunch of P.R. stuff and the game went on. I couldn't tell you who they played or even how many yards he ended up with. What I do remember is the after the game they retired Dayne's number in a ceremony that was truly inspiring. As the crowd was going wild with all the white towels being waved over their heads I looked up to see the #33 being placed on the stadium forever, but rather than seeing the cloth drop from the #33 I saw my dad. It was only an instant but we made eye contact and it wasn't until that moment did I realize just how special it was. It wasn't until that moment did I realize that he didn't see me as little Paul anymore but rather as a friend, confidant, his son. The look was telling me to enjoy the moment and that these moments don't come as often as they should.

That was my moment with my dad and it will be one that I will tell my boys about, hoping that I have the opportunity one day to make that same unplanned but instantaneous connection.

Happy Birthday Dad..........Thank you

Love Paul

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