Happy Birthday, Dad...

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Hi, lovely friends, and Happy Friday the 13th!  I don't know about you, but I find that when the 13th falls on a Friday, I tend to have an exceptionally good day.  So much for superstitions...



This day is extra special for my family as it's my dad's birthday.  I called him this morning to wish him a happy day and to arrange a little celebratory get-together.  To give you a feel for the kind of person he is...this was his reply.

"I'd love to see you, but just to see you.  I don't need a cake or presents.  I think of every day as my birthday.  Each day is a gift because you don't know what tomorrow brings.  I try to go to bed smiling and wake up smiling.  So let's get together just for the sake of being together."

He went on to say that on his actual birthday he thinks of his mom, Ardith, who passed not long ago, and his dad, Frank, who passed when my dad was 2.  He thinks of my brother and me and the families we've made.  He remembers his childhood and his sister, with the aunts and uncles and grandparents who helped Ardith raise him and his sister when Frank died.  Cherished memories are what he thinks about on his birthday.

I wanted to share part of the conversation I had with my dad because I feel that his thoughts about making every day one's birthday are words to live by.  I'm going to try to follow that philosophy, and I hope that you will too.  Let's see if we can begin and end our days with a smile and treat each day as a gift.  I know it's not always easy to do so, but with the extra effort and awareness we are bound to have success.

Have a beautiful day and as always, your comments are like little bright spots in my day...xo



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9 comments:

Ivy Lane said...

Happy Birthday to your DAD! hugs to him!!! so sweet.... ahhhhhhhh... i am welling up....

Chronic Ennui said...

I almost never, ever comment, but this post is so very touching. I've been reading your blog since I became obsessed with one of your scarves way back when.... and then your brother's blog through you... And it is clear that your family is a special one. Happy Birthday to your dad and thank you for sharing with us.

Dennice {Fringe} said...

Ivy Lane - Thank you, dear, for always being so supportive. You truly are a lovely person.

Chronic Ennui - Thank you so much for your extra special comment. It was completely unexpected and very moving. You are a peach to leave such a heartwarming message for me!

xo xo

Unknown said...

happy birthday to your Dad, sounds like a pretty special man. i hope you enjoyed your visit with him. go to bed smiling is good advice, i try to keep that in mind and when the little things get to me i have to remind myself....thanks for sharing my friend! xo

alexkeller said...

happy birthday Dad! it was my birthday too :) hope you had cupcakes - i would've brought you some had i known. cheers to many more birthdays!

Ana said...

Your father sounds like an amazing person, but I suppose it makes sense since his daughter is equally amazing! What a beautiful family :o)

24 Corners said...

Happy Belated Birthday to your wonderful Dad! I'm sure this post was a very special gift for him...what a sweetheart you are and what a lovely soul he is.

xoxo J~

PS. Normally my Friday the 13th's happen on another day during the year, and I never know when it's going to be...but this Friday was :/!
Hope that means the rest of the year is going to be just puppies & kittens every day!

Dennice {Fringe} said...

Oh my goodness! Thank you all for your super kind and generous comments! You guys are just too wonderful!

Love to you all...Mwahhhh!

Happy belated birthday, darling Alex! I hope your year is filled with joy.

J - I'm sorry about your bad Friday the 13th...Dang it all! I hope each day gets brighter and brighter.

xoxo

red ticking said...

so lovely... and many blessings to your sweet dad.
i know you are enjoying your special weekend xx