Fifty nine.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 08:38PM That's how old my dad would have been today. Last year, the first time our family celebrated his birthday without him, I wrote this post. I'd forgotten about that. But, I did actually go to church today...though not for an actual service, just to take Noah to religious ed class. I'm in the process of finishing up a little project about my dad to hang in our house and had it in my head that it was something of a birthday gift, but didn't get it finished by today like I'd hoped. With luck, I'll have it done by the end of the week. In the meantime, here's a layout I did almost a year ago about my dad and his birthday:
Not sure if you can read the journaling, so I'll include it here:
Happy birthday, Dad! You’d have been 58 today. I’ve been trying to think of something we can do as a family every year to celebrate your birthday...some little tradition we can start so that we can feel together even when we’re not. When I asked Joe if he had any ideas, he mentioned that every year he’d ask you what you wanted for your birthday and you’d say simply “go to church and say a rosary.” So very like you. I wasn’t able to convince all the others, but I did go to church today for you. Nathan came home early so we could go to the evening service as a family. The homily was amazingly fitting. The priest talked about advent and the word “prepare.” He emphasized how we must prepare not only for the material trappings of the season but how we must prepare our lives for God...how we must live a life of faith and service. Dad, I can’t think of a single person who was more prepared to meet God than you. I wish you were here to blow out your candles, but I know that you are in a better place and that you are at peace. The way you lived your life simply leaves no alternative. So, even though we were not at all “prepared” for your death, I find comfort in the fact that you were. And so, today, I celebrated your prepared life. I have no present for you, but you’ve given me a priceless one...your example.
Happy birthday once again, Dad. I love you.
(More on our ornament projects and all tomorrow...)
Reader Comments (5)
I'm praying for you and your family today. :( Thanks for sharing the LO, such an incredible reminder to count our blessings.
This is beautiful. I will pray for you today. I hope you are able to celebrate the wonderful memories you have!
that is so beautiful Amanda
I read this last year and enjoyed reading it again this year. Beautiful tribute to your dad who I remember as a very kind and compassionate man.
Hugs and prayers for you and your family, Amanda. The LO was beautiful.