Well, isn’t this is a lot like writing on one of those inter-office birthday cards? – You know: you want to say something humorous or profound, but suddenly realize you are not actually all that funny nor even remotely profound?

You, Al, are awesome enough to inspire me to overcome any lack of words, however, so here goes:

First – can I please just take a moment to appreciate that, despite missing a chunk of your brain, you’ve still corrected the spelling in my Facebook posts? I respect that in a person.

While there may be equally cool Dads out there, you really do raise the bar on this one. Skiing superman, golfing guru, and mountain bike maniac – you’ve done it all with joy (though it is rumoured that not every golf game meets the ‘joy’ threshold…?), and shared that joy daily with your amazing son. Thanks to your inspiration, Colt will go big or go home and always have fun (quick note: this may be cause for some stress for his mother in the years to come…just sayin'...).

Speaking of Heather, could she have a more awesome husband? When you married that beautiful and talented wife of yours, you knew that life might occasionally be – hmm, how do I say this politely? – a bit like taking a trip on a roller coaster in a hurricane? I mean, seriously, who else’s storage locker resembles a Warner Bros. costume warehouse? Whose carpet contains more glitter than a Vegas show girl’s cleavage? And – wow - how many times have you listened to Miss Saigon - truly? While navigating the Hurley? Yet, you’ve been there every step (and note) of the way – every high school musical, every Chairlift Review, every board meeting, every performance – you’ve not only supported Heather, but in sharing her, supported every one of us who took part. And we’re truly grateful.

Great Dad, great husband, great friend.

I respect that in a person.