a good man

Any idea who this baby is? It's not me and it's not Kent, but it is someone I love and respect. Here are a few hints: He built a car when he was 8 or 9, opened up a bicycle repair shop in his garage around the same time, put a jazz band together in high school, wanted to be a farmer or doctor when he grew up, graduated from Stanford Medical School, raised 10 children and started his own medical group. Any guesses?

If you guessed my dad, you're right! My dad, also know as J. Robert West or 'Bob', was born 80 years ago today. 80 years...and he is in great shape! I was born the year he turned 50, so I barely made my way into our family. I'm so glad they weren't too burned out to have one more child.

My dad is a wonderful, unique man who looks at life as an adventure and believes he can accomplish almost anything if he puts his mind to it. He's not one of those people who just thinks of things he wants to do, he actually does them. Built a car as a child? Graduated from medical school in 3 years? Who does that? Bob West does.

The older I get, the more I realize that my dad is a fascinating individual. Here are just a few things I love about him:

-His intelligence: He gets it. He's a smart man who has learning down to a science.

-His work ethic: He sticks with things until they're complete or until he understands them. He's still working. I doubt he'll ever retire.

-His devotion to my mom: My dad loves my mom more than anything. He can't survive without her.

-His role as a father: Loves and takes pride in all of his children. Supported and cared for each one of us completely. He helped build my self-esteem when I needed it most.

-His generosity: Always willing to give of his time and means.

-His solid spirituality: I have never questioned my dad's testimony. He is solid and does what is right.

-He's a dreamer: If he thinks of something, he makes it happen. He's a business man in a doctor's body. He has always made me feel that my dreams can become a reality. I love that about him.

-He's health conscious: He eats well (he's the one that made our family switch to non-fat milk when I was about 10--sorry Kent) and exercises daily. I think I love this about him because it has helped me realize that those two things can help you live a better life.

-His positive nature: My dad is always optimistic. Really. It is a rare occasion to see him upset. Most often, you hear him whistling around the house.

-He is nonjudgmental: He doesn't judge anyone and is quick to forgive.

-He doesn't fear opportunity: My dad will do just about anything he gets an idea to do, or sees necessary. For instance, my mom and dad went to a reception for Mitt Romney when he was trying to become the Republican nominee for president. At the reception in Orange County, my dad asked Mitt if he'd like to have another reception at our house in Redlands. (You have to remember, my dad and Mitt had never talked before, they weren't friends.) Guess what happened about a month later? A breakfast for Mitt Romney at our house. His candor used to be embarrassing at times, but now I find it inspiring.

I can't say enough about my dad. The older I become, the more I love and appreciate everything he has done for me, my family and others. I am a lucky girl and I look forward to sharing many more years with him, getting to know the fabulous Bob West.