Sunday, January 31, 2010

… 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

10 comments:

PamKittyMorning said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR DAD!!! Send him a big hug from me! xo

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Happy Birthday to your Dad!
Many of the things you say about your Dad would also be true about mine - I lost him two weeks ago at age 90. Enjoy your trips this summer with him.

MahQuilter said...

Hi Bren, I love reading about how you feel about your Mom and Dad as that is the same way I feel about my parents. I only wish I had as much time with my parents as you have had with yours. I wish you many years of writing about your Dad. (Oh and Bailey) I will continue to enjoy each and every one of those writings. Thank you for reminding me of some of my memories of my parents.

MahQuilter said...

P.S. Oops .....please tell your Dad Happy Birthday for me.....Enjoy his day.

Camille said...

That last part made me tear up a bit. I miss my dad! You are so lucky to get to spend so much time with yours. And he is lucky to have you for a daughter.

Happy birthday 'Dad'!

Vicky said...

Happy Birthday, Dad! Wishing you a joyous year!

Marian said...

Your post made me remember my dad. The trips we took together were special times for me as well. You are blessed to have such a good relationship with your dad, from the way you speak of him I can tell he is a very good man.

Susan In Texas said...

A very happy birthday to your Dad. He sounds like a wonderful fellow. You are very lucky to have him!

All the best,
Susan
gentle_poster@charter.net

Robyn said...

Wow and what a handsome guy to boot. Love him all you can. I never had my dad (his choice not mine) and there are still times it's hard.

Sewn With Grace said...

A very happy birthday to your Dad!