This Is Truly A Day To Celebrate

I know of no better topic that I could ever write about than this one today:

I have said this before and I will say it again, I am a blessed man. Here I am, 65 years old and both of my parents are still living. In fact, my father is celebrating his 90th birthday today, September 8, 2013, and mom turned 87 a few months ago.

Here are just a couple of truths that ring out about my father:

1. His mother passed when he was 5 and all of the children, including my father were dispersed to a variety of orphanages. Most of them didn't see each other again for years. In fact, it was 33 years before my father found his brother. I was blessed to be a part of that amazing reunion.

2. My father was the hardest working man I've ever known. Dad didn't have an education for a variety of reasons (the orphanage, working on a farm during the depression) but he always made sure we were provided for. I do not ever remember him complaining about his having to work so hard, but he did it because he loved us and still does. Additionally, because he didn't have the education, he always encouraged us to work hard, graduate from high school and go on to college. I've told him before and I will share it again as to how grateful I am for him nudging me about college and hard work. He and mom truly played a large part in the strong work ethic I still hold to today.

So today, although I could write much more, I will just wrap it up with a photo taken of dad in 2005 at our daughters (his granddaughter's) wedding.

Happy Birthday Dad or as his friends know him - Jim.....  You are loved!!!

This is truly a day to celebrate...