“99 Years Ago”

11/29/24, #tossingusback

My dad was born in 1925. He enjoyed playing with numbers, especially doubles. It would have thrilled him to imagine reaching the century mark next year.

When I ponder the transformative events, inventions, decisions, and surprises that occurred during his lifetime, I am awed.

He was born in a very small town. Electricity was a wonder that he did not witness until he was a teenager. He had his own horse, which he was tasked with feeding. The daily discipline of finding grasses and other foods for his pet taught him the value of consistency, diligence, and loyalty.

Daddy was an ambitious dreamer. His goals were the kind that astonished his parents. Although my grandmother was functionally illiterate, she inspired her bright son to reach for an education. He had to work hard to earn degrees in music composition and choral conducting to feed his heart, then medicine to feed his family.

His homeland meant a lot to him, but he and Mama courageously left everything familiar to immigrate to America. They sought a life for their kids that was different from the one they had experienced.

If he were still around, we would have celebrated with abundant food, most likely prepared by my mom. He would have invited loved ones to their home, reminding them to take musical instruments so that they could participate in impromptu performances. He loved to regale guests with entertaining stories, often asking others to share their own anecdotes.

The day will seem mighty quiet without his presence. I will have to cheer myself with vivid memories of other birthday shindigs.

Happy 99th birthday, Daddy! I hope you and Mama get together with many cohorts in Heaven. Thank you for showing me how to foster zest, enthusiasm, and imagination.

#tossingusback