Thank you…

For bringing me into this amazing world! Sometimes I feel scared shitless like the photo above, but I know I hit the lottery by having you as a father. You have taught me how to carry myself and what it takes to navigate this earth as good human being.

I know that a child soaks up and learns so much from their parents. I’m so thankful for the family we have and where we come from. I wouldn’t be me if it wasn’t for you, and I’m sure you wouldn’t be you without the influence of your parents. Rest in paradise Grandma Maudie and Grandpa Ralph!

Although this photo looks like you are teaching me to play guitar, we know that didn’t happen, haha! I STILL don’t know how to “play”. However, I am so thankful that you encouraged us to try things we don’t know how to do and fail but also learn from that and see the value.

You could never predict the full impact of what helping foster children would bring to our family, but I can surely say for myself it has definitely shaped me into the person I am today. You showing us how to accept others and be kind to less fortunate people has rubbed off and been instilled in us forever!

Starting with just one horse and adding more to the heard as you could you similar to our own family, you opened doors to a new world we were all excited about and left us with some amazing memories! Also some scary times too, I will NEVER forget you got stepped on by Sierra!! So thankful you are still here!

I don’t think the Mahaffey family could too long without a margarita or some queso, thanks passing on your Mexican cuisine passion to us!

I want to let you know how much I appreciate you guidance in my transition from high school to college. It was something that would change my life forever. Moving to St. Cloud, you gave me the confidence to go out into the world and find a new chapter and life for myself. Thank you for coming to St. Cloud with me to tour both campus’ and understand what the deal was with the dorms and meal plans and eventually help me move in. I appreciate all the work it was keeping track of all the student loans as they got sold to other companies along the way. Thanks for answering my call after I crashed near the long line pine trees lol, you are truly a life saver! I would not be who I am today if I had not got to St. Cloud, heck I would never have met Kendra!

I will always cherish my Nissan Xterra. If I remember right, Maudie helped pay for some of this one! It’s strange I used to name all my vehicles and never came up with one for the Xterra. WE should come up with a name together!

I want to say thanks for all the awesome trips we have been able to take through out the years. Our family vacations are some of the highlights of our lives!

I was so proud of you when you faced your fears and did the zip-line tour with the family! You proved to us that it’s never too late to take a challenge and try something out of your comfort zone!

Every family trip holds a special place in my heart. But the Dominican Republic was incredible. I’m so thankful that we were able to do as much as we did while Whitney was here with us! She sure was a trooper that we could all take lessons from.

The second Dominican trip opened my eyes further to the world and how fortunate we really are. Thanks for including me and allowing me to bring Langdon with us. That trip was especially meaningful for my perspective on the world.

No matter the circumstance the Mahaffey’s are bound to get into some fun! If we have nothing to do we can still find a way to entertain ourselves together. From sitting around just talking to playing board games to going out on the town, we are never short of a good time! Thanks for being our fearless leader and never shying away from shenanigans.

As our family has changed over the years got bigger and got smaller, you however have remained a true constant in all of our lives. The fact that we can all come to you for our problems and to share our wins means so much to all of us. I truly appreciate your open ear and willingness to listen.

I want you to know how much I appreciate the care and love you had for Whitney. You and mom were always so good to her and it makes me feel good knowing you guys gave her the best life she could have. You are some of the most amazing people I know, it sounds biased, but I’m not kidding.

Thank you for supporting Kendra and I’s decision to move out to the West Coast. You made it easier on us knowing that you had our backs. And damn, you truly proved it when you showed up with all our shit and two cats in a single moving truck. I really can’t thank you enough for doing that. It’s stuff like this that truly defines who you are as a person. Always going out of your way to help others!

Kendra and I are so thankful for the relationship we have with you and Mom!! Every time we are together we have such a great time and leave thinking how easy it is to hang out together. It’s amazing how you were able to go from my father figure, teacher and leader to being one of my very best friends!!

I always knew I wasn’t going to have the typical “best man” at my wedding. I had a handful of friends that could have been in line as groomsmen as well, but nothing was more special than having you there for me that day! Thanks for everything you did for us to make it so special.

I also want to thank you for showing me how to be a husband. Sometimes it’s still hard for me to believe I’m a married man now! You have given Mom so much love and appreciation over the years I love your relationship together. You guys are always joking around and having fun together. Truly as best friends who are committed as partners in life and beyond. I have a lot to learn and know it will always be a going to be a process but I want you to know I appreciate you setting such a good example for me as a man.

HAPPY 60th or 36th B-DAY!!

Kendra and I both want to wish you a the Happiest 60th Birthday possible!! Or 36th depending who you are asking!!! I love you so much and can’t imagine where I would be in life without you Pops!