Happy birthday, Dad!
As most everyone who has followed this website for any length of time knows, I am a full-time caregiver to my father, and have been since September 2006. You have heard stories about him every once in a while, such as during our recent move from Michigan to SE Texas or when he tumbled down a half flight of stairs last year while attending a birthday party resulting in three days in ICU and ten days in rehab. Today, however, you will hear the good news that he has hit an outstanding mile marker in his life – 88-years-old.
Born on October 18, 1922 in the midst of the Roaring Twenties, it didn’t take long for him to find out the harsh realities of the Great Depression of the 1930s. His family came from a long line of farmers and times were tough as he grew up in a rural area of mid-Michigan.
Life got much better after marrying my mother. Not only did Dad finally get off the farm and into much better jobs, Mom went on to receive her Master’s Degree and taught for many years. They were able to travel all around the United States, three times to Alaska, as well as trips to England and Germany to visit my brother who was in the Air Force.
Dad is now the oldest member of our extended family after the death of his sister last December at the age of ninety-two. As longevity seems to be a hallmark of most of the family, we may be celebrating more birthdays in the future.
However, today he will spend the day with his three-year-old great-grandson after David arrives at our house following morning preschool. Tonight we will go out for a birthday dinner with my daughter and her family.
Dad has already received numerous birthday cards and phone calls from friends and family in Michigan, but I’m sure he will also receive plenty of calls today. One thing our family does well is making phone calls on birthdays and special occasions.
There is nothing more lonely for an elderly person, or anyone for that matter, than not hearing from anyone on their birthday. We have really stepped up in that regard over the years. When we were children, Mom and Dad made sure we had our birthday cake and special meal. Because Dad is a diabetic, we are having sugar free ice cream for our little party with David at lunch time, and then we will see what Dad chooses for desert tonight. Knowing him, he will probably step outside the box. He may even have a Margarita!
2 responses so far ↓
1 firstSTREET // Oct 18, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Thanks for sharing a bit of your family history, it is certainly interesting! Happy Birthday to your dad!
firstSTREET recently posted..10 great places to retire in the US From SavvySeniororg
2 Edie // Oct 18, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Thanks – every once in a while I write something personal, especially around birthdays or holidays. Thanks for your comment and for stopping by!
Edie recently posted..Happy Birthday- Dad – 88-Years-Old Today!
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