Happy Birthday Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa

Today would have been dad's 80th birthday. Can you imagine the party we would have had to throw for him? I suspect a good number of us would be in Mesa right now helping him celebrate. We'd be sitting on the "deck" enjoying the warm weather and doing a lot of talking. Dad would be in the limelight and making sure everyone had a drink. I bet we'd be raising our glasses more than once today. I doubt we would have been able to surprise him like we did for mom's 75th. He'd probably be expecting a party, not that he would ever tell anyone that. But there would be a party. He'd make a party.


I tried to find some photos that personfiy dad. Not an easy task. I'm sure we all have our own memories and favorite photos but since I manage the blog I"ll post mine. If you have any others you want me to post feel free to send them along with a story or two.

This picture is my favorite. Dad was so excited to have us all come down on our motorcycles and he was even more excited to get in front of the parade for all the neighbors to see.
This isn't the best photo of dad, but it sure speaks to what he loved. Mom, Mesa and raising his cup, glass or bottle. It was taken long before he got sick and when he was in the best of days in his life. He loved having company and he loved being in Mesa. Here he is surrounded by family and truly living life to the fullest. Father and son on the bike. I think he would have been one of the "family riders" when he was a bit younger. I'm glad we were able to take him along on a couple of our rides.

One of the last things he said to me before he died was that he had no regrets. What a way to go. I told him he was a great dad and he said he tried his best. I know he did. If he couldn't be strong and usefull he didn't see a reason to stick around. He was ready to go, not that he wanted to, but that he knew it was his time. Thank God he lived a full life and took advantage of his good health. He sure had fun while he was here.

So, Happy Birthday dad. We're raising a glass for you today and remembering the good things you taught us and brought us in our lives.