A Birthday Homage

On November 8, 1957 a legend was born.

For anyone who has ever been graced with the presence of The Kevin Brandt you know what I'm talking about. 

I honestly don't even know where to start with this man.

He is my biggest role model, confidant and supporter.

I am constantly humbled by the wisdom that he constantly shares.

And seriously he's just the cutest, look at him!

He's intelligent. If you want to know anything about the human body, go ask my dad. When I was 13, we got to go when he took his massage therapy class on a field trip to Body World. Up until then I had never really seen my dad in his element. It was truly a beautiful thing to see his eyes light up as he taught his class with such passion. I love that when my dad gets stoked, on any subject really, his voice changes a little bit and he tends to speak in this matter of factly tone. He uses his hands, expressive eyebrows and constant eye contact. He loves to teach. Whether it be the body, American history, or art he loves to help others understand and learn something new. He will literally talk to anyone. ANYONE. Especially when it comes to proving a point. I kid you not, one time he was with Kira somewhere and a man was standing outside the store with a petition and just to prove a point my dad went to his car and got his travel size constitution (or bill of rights I can't really remember) out of his glove box and debated with this man. He's the most patriotic guy and has the utmost respect for his country. Ever since he moved to Virginia my dad has turned into a full blown southerner. Complete with accent sometimes. 

He went from being a surf rat born in Santa Monica to a country, wood chopping man living in Virginia who shovels snow. 

He's one of a kind.

Even though he is over 2,000 miles away from me everyday, I never fail to get a phone call every single night. Even if it's for a moment he will still call. I literally have a collection of almost 100 saved voicemails from him because I refuse to delete them. They pretty much all say the same thing, "Hey Keller, how you doing? Just calling to say hello and hopefully Ill get to talk to you tomorrow. I love you. Ok Bye." It always brings the biggest smile to my face just hearing his voice. He truly makes my heart happy. My dad has always made an effort to make sure we know that he loves us. He always made sure that whenever we would leave the house, or he would take us to school or at the end of a phone calls to say, " I love you." It didn't matter how insignificant a trip to 7-11 it was, he made sure to tell you he loves you. I never really understood the significance of why he did it until I was probably in high school. When my dad was younger he lost his dad, I believe he was at the hospital and he went somewhere really quick and didn't get the chance to tell his dad he loved him, when he got back my grandpa was gone. Finally I understood why he made that effort, because he learned the hard way that you shouldn't let an opportunity go by to let someone you love know that you love them. The time that we have is so limited and we don't even know it. I'm grateful for the vocal love that we share, there has never been a question in my mind if he loves me.

Hes an artist

This one used to be hanging over our fireplace in our living room.

Amongst the ocean landscapes, naked charcoal ladies,and random doodles he would draw for Riis, his stippling portraits will always be my favorite. He did matching portraits of his parents when he was 17 or something ridiculous like that. They're stunning, its didn't hurt that i have good looking grandparents either. It breaks my heart that he doesn't create anymore. Luckily Kenna and Connor gained that talent from the gene pool. Im jealous of that one.

He's literally my favorite person in the world.

One of the things that I love most is his story telling. He's able to go into ridiculous detail but still keep you engaged. Recently he informed me about a macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwhich he made and  it was the greatest thing because he just gets so exited and you can tell that he's genuinely stoked. Everything that comes out of his mouth is straight comedy. 

The best dad jokes & stories you've ever heard. 

Here are a list of my favorite things:

(In no particular order)

1. He is a hippie, he told me the other day that he went outside and hugged his tree friends. Now you know where I learned it

2. He loves musicals. His roles include Captain Von Trapp, Gaston & The Cowardly Lion.

3. He puts his family first. He's a dad of 8 who has always worked his ass off.

4. He wears shorts and Ugg boots and is the only man who gets away with it.

5. He shed real tears when the Kings won the Stanley Cup.

6. He still rocks a fanny pack.

7. He is genuinely kind to everyone he meets.

8. He's non-judgmental and supports me no matter what.

9. He is hilarious and always has a quality joke up his sleeve.

10. He had a bad-ass mustache and wore Ray Bans before it was cool.

11. Is always doing good deeds for others and has the best Karma of anyone I know.

12. When he gets dementia he wants us to tell him he's someone cool each day like the president or John Wayne.

13. He watches the same movies over and over again. He loves the Mummy haha

14. He's a good cook. His specialties are fried rice and potato salad.

15. He can have one eye crossed and one eye looking forward.

In conclusion, I know that I am truly blessed for my dear sweet papa.

I always get a little emotional because he's not as close as he used to be.

Even though we are now on opposites sides of the country,

 I feel closer to him than I ever have.

We are on the same wave length.

We understand each other without having to explain our reasoning.

Our souls are the same and I don't know how I wasn't born in his era.

He's my best friend and I don't know how I could have ever survives in a world without him.

So here's to you papa, happy birthday to my truest friend.

I love you more.

Cheers.