Birthday Reflection
Sept 10, 2001
A day most think of in somber reflection remembering the tragedy that struck American soil in the early morning hours to follow. An event worth reflecting on without a doubt.
Yet I look back on that day with joy and tears for a different reason. It was the last birthday I spent with my grandfather. He turned 91 that day! I remember putting his socks on his feet that morning as he sat in his recliner. He hated to need the help with such a simple task. He was a bright capable man, without false pride. He would take those moments each morning while I sat at his feet and adorned them with shoes and socks to reflect on his life. That day he told me that getting old was the pits. "You don't want to try it" he would say. But then he spoke of how it wasn't all his later years that were hard. "Seventy was fine, even eight, but boy turning 90 is really what did it."
He was correct. I have few childhood memories of my grandfather as an "old man." Rather, he was a fun, active man. He was always out working in his yard, taking the dog for walks, bowling with my grandma and the guys in his league. Nothing really did stop him...except 90. So on that final birthday, at 91 we took it easy. It was really just a quite day at home for him and Irene. He ate his cooked prunes for breakfast, Campbell's Soup and crackers for lunch, and then to make it special I made salmon for dinner. I baked him a pie too, though for the life of me I can't remember what kind. Pecan? Blueberry? Whatever it was I know he enjoyed it. The labor that went into a good pie was never lost on Grandpa.
I hope that the principles he lived out will never be lost on me. He taught me the value of hard work, saving money (under the nightstand as well as in the bank), and the importance of giving generously to others, as an act of gratitude for all God has given us. He taught me that living a life guided by faith and ethics was always the right things. And my favorite lesson was that of love and commitment. He didn't just stay married to my grandmother for 60 years, he loved her through each year.
Grandpa, I am grateful that you didn't have to live to see today because at 98 years old you really would have been frustrated. God knew in His perfect timing when to take you home. Not that I haven't wished you were here a few times over the last 6 years. The empty chairs at my wedding day reminded me you were gone. The great grandkids you never got to meet would have LOVED knowing you, instead of your picture. And I can imagine the proud smile that would have been on your face the day I graduated from medical school. Know that I will not forget this day either, the one that God used to bring you into this world. I am grateful for you, your love, your lessons, and your legacy.
Happy Birthday! I love you
A day most think of in somber reflection remembering the tragedy that struck American soil in the early morning hours to follow. An event worth reflecting on without a doubt.
Yet I look back on that day with joy and tears for a different reason. It was the last birthday I spent with my grandfather. He turned 91 that day! I remember putting his socks on his feet that morning as he sat in his recliner. He hated to need the help with such a simple task. He was a bright capable man, without false pride. He would take those moments each morning while I sat at his feet and adorned them with shoes and socks to reflect on his life. That day he told me that getting old was the pits. "You don't want to try it" he would say. But then he spoke of how it wasn't all his later years that were hard. "Seventy was fine, even eight, but boy turning 90 is really what did it."
He was correct. I have few childhood memories of my grandfather as an "old man." Rather, he was a fun, active man. He was always out working in his yard, taking the dog for walks, bowling with my grandma and the guys in his league. Nothing really did stop him...except 90. So on that final birthday, at 91 we took it easy. It was really just a quite day at home for him and Irene. He ate his cooked prunes for breakfast, Campbell's Soup and crackers for lunch, and then to make it special I made salmon for dinner. I baked him a pie too, though for the life of me I can't remember what kind. Pecan? Blueberry? Whatever it was I know he enjoyed it. The labor that went into a good pie was never lost on Grandpa.
I hope that the principles he lived out will never be lost on me. He taught me the value of hard work, saving money (under the nightstand as well as in the bank), and the importance of giving generously to others, as an act of gratitude for all God has given us. He taught me that living a life guided by faith and ethics was always the right things. And my favorite lesson was that of love and commitment. He didn't just stay married to my grandmother for 60 years, he loved her through each year.
Grandpa, I am grateful that you didn't have to live to see today because at 98 years old you really would have been frustrated. God knew in His perfect timing when to take you home. Not that I haven't wished you were here a few times over the last 6 years. The empty chairs at my wedding day reminded me you were gone. The great grandkids you never got to meet would have LOVED knowing you, instead of your picture. And I can imagine the proud smile that would have been on your face the day I graduated from medical school. Know that I will not forget this day either, the one that God used to bring you into this world. I am grateful for you, your love, your lessons, and your legacy.
Happy Birthday! I love you
posted by Cozy Mom @ 10:53 PM
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