Happy Birthday, Dad

My dad just turned 80 years old.

80.

I remember his 40th birthday party. Vaguely, but I remember it.

His 50th is a vivid memory - more so than his 60th or 70th - and seems more like yesterday than thirty years ago. Thirty years ago. I had just started high school. Wow.

I am constantly amazed at, and often try to explain - although I do a poor job at the explanation - to younger people how funny time feels. The first 20 years or so feel like a lifetime. The next twenty go so fast, you can't believe it's the same amount of time. I can't imagine how fast it goes when you're 60 or 70 or 80.

I know my dad feels his time is running out. I imagine he has felt this way for a number of years. After losing his brother recently, his realization of his own mortality is palpable.

I am one of the very few people in our large group of friends whose father is still alive. It is something I thank God for on a regular basis. I hope he continues to be with us for a long time. I have been blessed with a dad who I truly believe is the best man on earth.

I love him so much it hurts.

Happy Birthday, Dad.



My dad and his girls