… January's blessing

January is such a month of clarity. . . don't you think?


Perhaps it's because of it's place on the calender - first month of a new year -  but somehow causes us to sit back & re-evaluate what is really important . . . & focus on becoming a little bit better person. Whatever it is. . . I have always loved January.


Perhaps also because after it has called us to attention - & after we have set (or re-set) the bar for ourselves & our goals . . . & just as it gets ready to say goodbye until the next year. . . on this last day, I celebrate a true blessing, as today is my Dad's birthday.

Today my Dad (Aaron) celebrates his 82 birthday. This photo was taken at the airport in Chicago - as Dad & I were flying home from a trip to the Minneapolis last spring. I have loved being able to do some traveling with Dad. . . & it still reminds me of the first time we ever travelled on a plane. That was way back in the early 70's (the DC-10 had just been introduced!). . . & when you travelled - it was special occasion - you dressed for it. . . (& you actually looked forward to it!) A bit different than what airline travel can be these days. But - when I travel with Dad - I'm taken back a bit to those days. You will notice that Dad still 'dresses up' a bit - with his suit-coat & pocket hanky. (What you aren't seeing in this photo are his tan dress pants, subtle argyle socks & dress loafers with tassels. . .) Very debonaire - my Dad is. 

That's one of the things I love about Dad. . . even now - just like the month he was born in - he quietly calls me to be a little bit better than I might settle for. He sets the example. . . quietly  - just by being himself. I love that.

Lately, we have been planning a few more trips for the year. In the next few weeks -  it will be a trip to San Diego - to visit the newborn great-grandchildren . . . (there are now two!. . . a boy, & now a girl - born just a few weeks ago!) . . . & then in the spring we are going across the country to Virginia & then Washington DC. I'm really looking forward to these trips, & I'm so grateful that Dad is able to travel. . . in many ways it is like we are taken back to times past. Most everyone else may have changed their attitudes towards flying & travel. . . but my Dad still can make it special.

As I right this, Dad just popped into the office & told me that he was leaving to go out. We didn't go to church this morning because he is going to sit with a friend. . . a friend who has Alzheimer's & is in the hospital with pneumonia & not doing well. He has visited his friend & wife daily for the last several days. . . I knowing my Dad. . . he will continue to go daily. That's just Dad. . . 

Our birthday meal may have to wait a few days. . . but we will celebrate.  . . Celebrating this very special man. . . this man that I am blessed to call "Dad".

♥ Bren