45 years ago today...

[gerisullivan]

...my father turned 45 years old. I don't remember him ever commenting on his age before that birthday, and he didn't for decades after, either. But 45? For weeks before, as the day grew closer and closer, Daddy kept repeating "45? I'll be 45? That's half of 90!"

Thirteen-going-on-14-year-old me made a birthday card for him. On the cover: ~"You're 45?"~

On the inside, ~"That's half of 90!"~ and, after another fold, ~"That's a quarter of 180!"~ and, with one more fold to open, ~"That's an eighth of 360! Age...it's all a matter of perspective."~ Followed by happy birthday wishes and my love.

It's a happy memory for today. Daddy didn't make 90; he was confounded he made 80, let alone 85...86...87...and 88. He savored the joy in each of the days he was here, and always loved seeing a sparkle in my eyes and a smile on my face. That's what he told each of his kids he wanted for his birthday most every year. His birthday, Father's Day, and Christmas, too. He's not here to see them on Susie's and my faces today, but the sparkle and smiles are there. The sparkle, the smiles, and the joy of the day.

Comments

[maruad.livejournal.com]

May you and your sister have many, many more years of smiles for him.