On Saturday, 24 May, 2008, my most darling Daddy reaches a significant milestone: he turns 90 years old! Yep, that's right, Daddy's reached the big nine-oh - and it's been ninety years packed full of all sorts of joy, kindness, laughter, pain, smiles, and gracious character.
Daddy was born in Seattle, WA, in 1918. He had two older sisters (who are already in Heaven), and an older brother, who died before Daddy was born. Unfortunately, this wasn't the only sad thing in his young life; his father died when Dad was only 2, so he never really knew him. His Mom and sisters, however, raised him to be a true gentleman whose word was his bond, and who had a kind word for everyone.
Daddy served as a supply officer in World War II, including a tour on Midway - during the time of the Japanese attack. Daddy doesn't talk much about the war - mainly about the good times he had on Oahu when on leave - but he does recall that he stood at the bedside of Ensign Gay when the Ensign gave his report to Daddy's senior officer. That's all he's ever said about it, but his voice was choked with emotion.
Eventually, Daddy got his pilot's license (his eyesight wasn't good enough for the Navy to train him), and went to work for American Airlines. He eventually advanced to the position of pilot, and flew the Boeing 707 during his last years of employment - he loved that plane! I remember that he took me with him to Salt Lake City one time. We had dinner in a Japanese restaurant where we took our shoes off, donned paper slippers, and sat in cushions at a low table. It was my first taste of Japanese food, and I've loved it ever since. On the way back, one of the flight attendants taught me how to use chopsticks, although she had a hard time, since I'm left-handed ;-) Daddy also took me with him to Aruba for his very last flight; I remember I got to sit in the cockpit when the official pilot allowed Daddy to fly the take off (Daddy was supposed to dead head back).
Daddy and I have always been able to talk together. Mom has often said that he and I think very much alike (which I would dispute; I think I'm much more like Mom!). But, I've always been able to go to him with my problems, ask him to explain something, talk theology, or just sit and enjoy each other's presence. Once when I was a young teen, one of the men who had been hired to paint the inside of our house left me a note, inviting me to run away with him. Back in the day, I had no idea of older men (he must have been about 30 -ooooo) being attracted to young teens (I think I was about 15), and I was very upset and frightened. What did I do? I ran to my Daddy, right away... And that man was gone!
All my friends who have met Daddy have remarked at how sweet he is. One friend even wished he was her father - but then, her dad was a pretty awful guy. When I graduated from Greenwich Academy in 1982, my 41 classmates voted me "Daddy's Girl," a title I rejoice in to this day.
Daddy's not perfect, of course; there have been times when he's disappointed me, and I know I've returned the favor more than once. But I have never doubted his love for me, my brother, and my little sister. He pretty much idolizes my Mom! Daddy has treated all of us with a tender and loving generosity which is the ideal for all true dads. As a matter of fact, I'm also a fine example of the premise that women marry men who are very much like their fathers; the Beloved Husband has a similar personality, he's also a wonderfully loving husband and father, and he has the same easy-going and kind manner as Daddy.
So, my beloved father, I wish you a happy 90th birthday, and I pray that God will grant you many more years with us.
I love you, Daddy. You're the best Daddy in the world for me, and I thank God every day for the gift He gave me in you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
UPDATE: I had sent an announcement to my lists and several other folks about Daddy's birthday. One of those people was Chris Muir of Day By Day, a man I greatly admire for his talent, his humor, and his kindness and graciousness. I hoped he might find just a quick minute to stop by and type a simple "Happy Birthday" .... But he did so much more:
Chris, this is... I am... speechless. Dumbfounded. That is Daddy to a "T"!!! Thank you so much, from the very bottom of my heart! Truly, you are a gentleman of the first rank, and I am honored by your gift!
