Happy Happy Birthday to you!

I can't wrap my head around the fact that we are celebrating your 60th birthday when it seems like just yesterday we celebrated your 50th! I feel lucky to have been around so long for some of the monumental celebrations. I think my first memory of you is when Sean and I first started dating and I smashed up the red Dodge Daytona before I had even met you. It was shortly there after that Sean arranged a "meeting" in Newport for lunch and when I extended my hand to you, you said, "It's nice to meet you Crash." Talk about mortifying!
It didn't take me a lot of time to realize what a fun-loving dad you were. I always loved watching your interaction with Sean, Erin and Tommy...and most of all, your relationship with Terri/mom. I remember the first few years and thinking, "I hope to have this same type of relationship some day" (minus the puppy dog look Andy describes below.)
I remember our graduation party where you had the entire rugby and hockey teams mesmorized by your strong arm control bringing a 50-70 lb hammer hatchet thing (I'm bad with tools) from straight in front of you down to your nose without faltering once. Not one other tough and brawny jock could do that. It may have had something to do with the 10 kegs of beer and vat of grain alcohol that inhibited their strength but I will lean towards the fact that you have controlled strength.
I think what I appreciate most about you is your ability to deliver a shock factor. Whether we are at lunch at Oceancliff outside and you are sticking your big toe through the middle of the table wiggling it for Mike Queenan as he was waiting on tables or the time you told our waitress who just graduated from Salve Regina a "bunch of fat asses" go to school there, your ability to add the shock factor to any mundane situation is phenomenal.
Our happiest memories and times with you are watching you play with Jake and/or Lucy. The close bond you've created with Jake is so special. And as his Ipa, he will forever think of you and say, "Woo!"

We love all our special times with you on family trips, listening to career advice, or nosy-walking through the neighborhood. You've taught me a lot over the years and I'm very lucky to have you for a father-in-law.
I wish you a very happy 60th birthday and look forward to celebrating another 40 birthdays with you. Maybe more considering the path Nonna is on...Happy Birthday!!! Love you!
Des