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Every Little Thing by April Jeppson

My dad turned 75 this week, and as I sit down to reflect on that, I’m filled with a mix of awe, gratitude and a whole lot of love. Seventy-five years is a big number. I remember thinking he was old when he turned 50! But here we are, celebrating three-quarters of a century, and the man is still busier than most people I know. It feels like the kind of milestone that deserves a pause, a moment to appreciate not just the years, but the life lived within them.

Growing up, my dad was always there. And I don’t just mean physically, though that was true, too. He was present. He worked hard and was always helping out a friend or neighbor with a project. Even though he was busy, I never felt like I was missing out on him. Whether it was a school concert, helping me with memorizing my multiplication tables or trying to improve my softball game, he showed up. He always made me feel like I was a priority, even to this day.

But what really sets my dad apart is his integrity. He’s the kind of person who does the right thing because it’s the right thing — not because anyone’s watching. He lives his life with a quiet honesty that I’ve always admired. Growing up, I don’t remember him ever needing to preach about what it means to be a good person. He just modeled it. He showed me, day after day, what it means to be trustworthy, reliable and true to your word. And that lesson has stuck with me more than any lecture could have.

This leads me to his kindness. My dad has this way of making everyone feel welcome, like they matter. It doesn’t matter if you’re family, a friend or someone he just met — he treats you with the same genuine care and concern. Time and time again I witnessed him get off the phone with someone and change his plans so he could help them. Maybe they had a shed they were trying to build, or a basement that flooded. It didn’t matter, if someone called my dad and asked for help, he helped them. Often that “help” was just being a patient listener when someone needed to talk. He’s the kind of guy who gives without expecting anything in return, and I think that’s one of his greatest strengths.

As I look at him now, at 75, I’m struck by how he’s handled everything life has thrown his way. Change, challenges, losses — he’s faced them all with a resilience that’s nothing short of inspiring.

Through it all, he’s remained the same steady, strong and incredibly funny presence in my life. And as much as I’ve grown and changed over the years, I find myself still turning to him for help or advice.

So here we are, celebrating 75 years of my dad. And as much as this day is about him, it’s also a chance for me to reflect on how lucky I am to have him in my life. He’s lived through decades of changes and challenges, and somehow managed to come out the other side wiser — and funnier, if you ask him. He’s been the foundation for so much of who I am today, and I’m so grateful for the love and guidance he’s given me over the years. I couldn’t ask for a better role model, a better adviser or a better dad.

So here’s to you, Dad, as you hit 75. You’ve been the rock, the handyman, the life coach and occasionally the guy who makes dad jokes so bad that they’re actually good.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams. Her column appears every Saturday.