"It is so difficult to describe the richness of the man my father is in just a few words. To my sisters and me he has been the truest friend and mentor.  He listened when we needed someone to hear us.  He shared his wisdom of life when we needed advice.  He took us dancing when we needed a partner.  He stayed up when we could not sleep.  He told us when he did not agree, but patiently stood by and waited for us to understand. When we failed, he made us believe in ourselves.  When we cried, he showed us all that we have to smile about. When we laughed, he laughed with us.  He did not just say “I love you”, he lived it.  If you really want to know what kind of person my father is, please read a short picture book by Shel Silverstein, “ The Giving Tree”.