A BIRTHDAY WISH SENT TO AFGHANISTAN

Today is Lance Corporal Daniel Wrighthouse's birthday. Today, actually yesterday for him, he turned 20. He spent his birthday in a war zone, on foreign soil, in Helmand District, Southern Afghanistan. No doubt it was the same as any other day for him. Did he even know the date? That it was his birthday? Did he spend the day fighting people he doesn't hate to protect those he doesn't know? Did anyone tell him happy birthday?

Today, for us, our Marine is 20. Not old enough to drink legally, and barely old enough to vote. If he were here I'd write about some of the funny, embarrassing things he has done over the years as a kid. But that'll have to wait until next year. For now, I pray that God gave him a quiet day. My birthday wish for Daniel is that he had a day filled with relaxation, maybe a friendly football game with his buddies and a few hours of peace with no patrols, IEDs or shooting. I hope he knows how much we love him and how proud we are of him.

We miss you Daniel. Happy Birthday son. Be safe - Love Dad, Mom, Rebecca, Aaron, Jonathan and Rachael.

I found this list of advice from a father to his son that I thought was funny.

1) The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.

2) It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

3) Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

4) Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

5) Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

6) If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

7) Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

8) If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you

9) Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

10) If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

11) If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

12) Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

13) Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

14) The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

15) A closed mouth gathers no foot.

16) Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and dark side, and it holds the universe together.

17) There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

18) Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

19) Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

20) Never miss a good chance to shut up.

21) Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.