A Tribute in 400 Words

Posted on by Sandi Amorim 26 Conversations

 

Today is my dad’s birthday and that displaces any spotlight, coaching tip or wise words I could offer. Instead, I’m sharing my dad, hopefully in such a way that you get what an extraordinary man he is and he gets how very much he is loved.

I love how my dad can look at something and instantly know how to fix it, improve it, or build it better.

I love how much he looked like a Hollywood heart-throb in his army photo!

I love how even though he was a strict dad, he’s a big softy as a grandpa.

I love how he has always put our family first. Always and all ways.

I love how he shares stories from his past. Truth be told, he was a mischievous rascal!

I love the twinkle in his eyes.

I love his green thumb, his abundant garden, and most of all his home-grown tomatoes.

I love how he fixes something every single time he comes to visit.

I love that he grew up street smart and didn’t let other kinds of smart stop him from living life fully.

I love how he fell in love with a brown-eyed beauty and swept her off her feet.

I love that his dream of a better life fueled his immigration to Canada.

I love his accent and the richness of his voice, still tinged with his native tongue.

I love that he mixes up sayings and metaphors, and I still know what he’s talking about.

I love how he reads the newspaper from cover to cover, from a desire to understand his community and the world around him.

I love how he enjoys his retirement, using it as time to do more of what he loves.

I love that he always remembered his roots.

I love the energy in his voice when he speaks to his brothers on the phone and I imagine them all as kids looking out for each other.

I love that he makes time for his grandkids, how he teaches them, plays with them and lets them melt his heart.

I love how he loves my mom. 50 years of love.

I love that he taught me about integrity and doing the right thing.

I love his sense of humour and his great big chuckle.

I love that I’m like him in so many ways.

I couldn’t have asked for a better man to raise me and send me out into the world.

Happy Birthday Dad.

Know that you are loved and appreciated, probably more than you can ever really know.

 

Please take a moment and join me in wishing my dad, Manuel Amorim, a very happy birthday with a comment below.

 

 

26 conversations started on “A Tribute in 400 Words”

  3. Oh man. This was a tear-jerker. It made my heart swell, and hearing about the energy in his voice when he speaks with his brothers on the phone got me to pick up my cell phone and send a text to my brother to tell him I love him.

    I’m glad you shared your love and affection for your dad with us today. Happy birthday to him.

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  5. Haha, just realized I didn’t mention his name and while I’m sure he’s happy to be known as a great dad, he’s so much more. So, let me introduce you to my dad, Manual Jose Amorim. 

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  8. Wish your Dad a Happy Birthday for me. Last time I saw him was by chance in a doctor’s office about 3 – 4 years ago. I was there with my father in law. It took me a few minutes of wondering why that guy looked so familar for me to realize it your dad. Once I told him who I was he remembered me and we had a great visit.

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  9. Absolutely awesome! My dad was my best friend when he passed away at age 79 almost 10 years ago, so this is a cool thing to do that I never could.

    Happy Birthday Manuel and may you have many more. You did a great job on raising the always awesome Sandi and she did a great job on recognizing that you had done a great job.

    You should all be proud and happy!

    Reply

  10. Happy birthday Mr Amorim (I don’t know you so you deserve the formality).  May I just congratulate you on your parenting skills, you have one very fine and wonderful daughter who is obviously carrying on in the family tradition of helping others, listening and caring.

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  13. Manual Jose Amorim, I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday. The words written above are proof that although I am sure at times you questioned if you did the right thing; you have done very well with the years you have been given. To make an impact, to make a change, to prove happy endings happen, to teach your children love, patience, guidance and belief in something greater…that’s what we are called to do and you have done so. The years you have lived should be celebrated with great pride! I am honored to call the child you raised into a wonderful woman, friend and I thank you for the enormous part you have played in shaping her!

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  15. Happy Birthday Sandi’s dad.  After losing my dad 11 years ago and missing him terribly yesterday, it’s a beautiful thing to have Sandi share you with us like she has.  It’s safe to assume you are amazing because Sandi is.  Thank you for doing such a great job with her. 🙂 she’s changed my life.  Enjoy your day and the words of love from your daughter.  

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  17. Happy Birthday, Mr. Amorim.  Wishing you lots of love, light, and laughter on your special day and for the next 365 days until we celebrate you again.  Thank you for the ever-amazing woman you call daughter and we call friend (and coach and wise woman and . . . .).

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  21. You’re both so blessed and just so darn lucky to share such a wonderful, loving relationship! Happy birthday, Mr. Amorim!

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  23. Yes he is all that plus more! Your Dad together with your Mom always find time to help family and friends. They have a way of making people feel better no matter what. He is the greatest Brother and friend anybody could have. They make a perfect couple, I am proud to be part of the Family. oxox

    Love Ludovina

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  25. Happy Belated Birthday Manuel!  Sandi’s tribute shows us how amazing a man you are and how important fathers are to their children, to families in general and to the world. Thanks for being a great father and providing that role model to others. 

    Reply

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