Tom Curtis

There is no doubt that my father is one of the many leaners that I have in my life. I know that if I need anything he will be right there for me. Growing up I admired my dad for many things. Of course one of the biggest was watching him play the drums in the Country Classics. Watching both my parents on stage was awesome and I was so very proud to be able to tell people, "that's my mommy and daddy up there." I have heard it said before that my dad was and is the best country drummer around. I know many great country drummers, but I have to say as well that my dad is the BEST!

My dad was a Pittsfield firefighter for most of the time I was growing up. I guess being younger at the time I didn't really realize what he really did for a living. Once I understood exactly what entailed being a firefighter, risking his life to save others, I had an upmost respect and admiration for him. I can't believe that my dad went into building burnings to put out fires, to save people from them, and have to go to horrific car accidents to try and do the same. I know that he has seen a lot of good and bad through that job and it is something that he will never forget. I just wanted to be able to tell him that I am so proud of him for being one of the greatest heroes. I know I've never really thanked him for it before.

I absolutely love board games, especially growing up. Candy Land was one of my favorites along with Chutes and Ladders. I wanted to play them every day and I know it drove my dad nuts asking him every day to play them too. But I will never forget when he would say yes and we would sit in the living room and play them together. It may not have been much fun for him, but it was a leaning moment I will never forget and hope to pass on to my little ones.

I know that we have been through some hard times and that there were a few years that my dad and I weren't the closest that we could have been. I am so glad that we have moved passed that to be able to be closer than ever. I can talk to him about everything and anything and he will pretty much understand exactly what I am talking about. We may still disagree on some things, but hey we wouldn't be father and daughter if we didn't.

I would say since around the time that I got married, I have seen my dad blossom into someone very special and I love watching him do it. He took my husband in with open arms and always gives me advice on having a great marriage. (He says since his 2 didn't work he should be able to give great advice!) I'm so glad that he is close to my son Kaleb, and I think he really is liking this grandpa stuff. I can't really put into words how happy I am that he has made a family between himself, my mom, my step-dad and me (of course my husband and son as well). I am so relieved that I can finally tell him how VERY PROUD I am of him for doing that. We all get along so nicely that I sometimes just sit back and watch them all together, knowing that I'm so very lucky to have them all in my life! And I absolutely LOVE listening to them all tell stories from the band, memories they have shared, etc. and I think that is a HUGE LEANING MOMENT for us all!

So thanks dad for being a leaner in my life. I know that you will be a great leaner for Kaleb too and that is something that means a lot to me. You are a great grandpa, dad to me and Kevin, and a great friend to many. I love you more than you will ever know and thanks for just being you.
Love, your little chickety.

P.S. You have turned into one of the best pizza makers/chef around! I hope I can learn to be just as good a cook as you are!!! Keeping on making those pizzas!!!