my hero...

Today is my Dad's Birthday...he's 51! I really hope he doesn't mind my divulging his age, and posting it on the web; but I think he should be proud to celebrate fifty one years! Especially because he has lived well, and been a wonderful example to those who have had the privilege of knowing him. Dad, I wish you the best, happiest, most fulfilling birthday...I'm sorry we won't be there to celebrate with you!


Daddy and Me...Just the two of us.

Below are 51 special and unique things, that make my dad...my dad:

1. He was born on May 31, 1956, in Grand Junction, Colorado - to Dean Henderson Pitts, and Virginia Lorraine Brewer.



2. He is the youngest of 4 children. His closest sibling in age is his sister, who is 10 years his senior, making it seem as if he were an only child.



3. His earliest memory is at the age of two. It’s of a family vacation to Mesa Verde National Park, riding on his dad’s shoulders.



4. He first met my mom in the 9th grade…it was love at first sight. They were high school sweethearts.



5. He’s a convert to the Church, and was baptized at the age of 17. Despite all of his missionary efforts, he is still the only member in his family.



6. He lost his dad when he was 25 and his mom when he was 35. It bothers him when he sees people who mistreat their parents, or who don’t appreciate the fact that they still have both of their parents.



7. He refers to Scout and Yoffi, (the family dogs), as “The Boys”. He loves dogs, and has always had a soft spot for all animals (except maybe cats).



8. He has helped me (and my siblings) with countless math assignments, essays, reports, projects, and campaigns over the years.



9. He is very generous with his money, and loves to use it to help others.



10. He keeps up on current events, and always knows what is going on in the world.



11. He loves to read - and reads a lot! He especially enjoys reading anything historical, and feels like there’s so much of it, that he can’t waste his time on anything fictional.



12. He loves to work out, and stay in shape.



13. He enjoys going to the movies, and even renting a good flick to watch at home with his family. (It was a sad day at the Pitts’ home, when clean flicks shut down.)



14. He got a chanter (an instrument which precedes the bagpipes) for his 50th Birthday, and is finally realizing one of his life long dreams, of becoming a piper.






15. He loves learning (and trying) new things, and sharing his discoveries with others.



16. One of his favorite indulgences is a Coke coupled with a Dark Chocolate Dove bar.



17. He is the best Dad to his seven children, and the best grandpa to his three grandchildren.



18. He is a kind, caring, selfless husband.



19. I love hearing my dad pray. His prayers are always so heartfelt… and I know he really speaks to his Heavenly Father.



20. He loves going to concerts (or at least used to), and has probably been to hundreds (back in the day).



21. He loves to laugh, and to make other people laugh. He is witty, and has a great sense of humor.



22. He gives the best advice. Even now (at age 30), I welcome my father’s advice, and still seek his counsel.



23. He enjoys drawing and painting, and is really good at it. He is also a poet, and has composed some beautiful poetry. He has a very creative/complex mind.



24. He uses a special technique called the “patty pat” to lure any baby to sleep.



25. He makes up silly lyrics to well known songs. For example, to Feliz Navidad, he sings “Fleece and a dog. Police and a frog…” or something like that.



26. He makes the best Chili. He even won the grand prize in a community chili cook-off, bringing home a brand new TV for the family.



27. He loves bratwurst…(not my favorite).



28. My dad is the smartest person I know; and it’s not just because he’s my dad…he’s really, really smart.



29. He would love to go back to school to get his B.A.



30. He has an interest, and actively takes part in city politics. He served for 8 years as a city councilman for the city of West Jordan, and would make an excellent mayor.



31. His favorite TV series is LOST. One of his favorite movies is Master and Commander with Russell Crowe. (Whenever deciding on a movie to watch, he always puts a plug in for that one.) A few more favorites: The Sting, Mickey Blue Eyes, The Natural, The Three Stooge movies, and pretty much any Alfred Hitchcock. One of his least Favorites would have to be M. Night Shyamalan’s Lady in the Water.



32. In keeping with my mom’s traditions, he goes all out on St. Patty’s Day. Green everything, and yum…his famous White Irishman drinks are so refreshing!



33. He’s also a sucker for April fool’s Day (I think just because mom was), and has come up with some of the best pranks. A few of my favorites: The caramel covered onions, the bottled waters filled with vinegar, and who could forget the water and white paint mixture (in the milk jug). My sister Kim, actually poured it on her cereal.



34. He loves to scare people. (Hey dad, remember Corkey? You got me good that time!)



35. He is an entrepreneur, and has had many business ventures.



36. He worked for Gold Cross as an EMT, he was a fire fighter, he worked as a security guard for a couple of different department stores, he had a 17 year career as an Air Traffic Controller, and currently works as a consultant for a land developer.



37. He once broke both his elbows while chasing a shoplifter.



38. He takes pride in his work, and is a perfectionist with his projects. (The shed, the mantle.)



39. He’s a great public speaker. Some of the very best talks I’ve ever heard, (and that have had the biggest impact on me), have been those given by my dad.



40. He makes the world’s greatest omelets; it’s the number one requested birthday meal at the Pitts’ home.



41. He is proud of his heritage, and fascinated with Family History. He has traced several family lines all the way back to royalty; and I think he even followed one line back to the year 12.





42. He’s a master dry-wall repairman, and an all around, great handyman.



43. He has a green thumb. He loves plants, and flowers, and enjoys caring for his various bonsai trees.



44. He likes watching sports. He’s a supporter of the Utah Jazz, NY Yankees, and BYU Football; and, of course anything that his kids participate in. He has almost never missed a sporting event, dance competition, or piano recital, that one of his children took part in.



45. He is an anchor to those around him amidst trials and affliction. He was our rock during, and after, the passing of our mom, (and I happen to know, he was probably hurting worse than any of us).



46. He always knows what to say, and when to say it.



47. He compliments me, and encourages me to follow my dreams. (As he does with all of his children.)



48. He is the most spiritual man I know. He loves the temple. He loves the Book of Mormon, and has read it many, many times. He emulates the Savior, and studies his life and teachings. He loves the Sermon on the Mount, and looks to it as a standard in his life.



49. He is a master scriptorian. He really knows, and loves, the scriptures.



50. After mom passed away, Dad did his best to take on her role, as well. He wrote me every week during my mission (what dad does that?), he took my sisters shopping for bathing suits, bras, and prom dresses. He became our best friend and our confidant, and the one we could (and still can), talk to about anything.



51. He always has been, and always will be, my hero.

I love you Dad!