If my father was still in his earthly body, he would be celebrating his 117th birthday today.
He lived a full life during his 96 years on earth. Even though I was born at a time that made him an “older” father, God blessed us with many years together.
He so often repeated his favorite stories and jokes, we, who are his family can still recite them today.
He really changed very little in appearance over the years. He laughed when he recalled people telling him he looked just the same as he did twenty years earlier.
He said, “At first I was really flattered. Then one day, I realized they might be telling me I looked that old twenty years ago!”😱
It would be hard to sum up his life briefly, but if I tried, it would be through his own words.
“It would take more than 24 hours a day to thank The Lord for all our many blessings. Thank The Lord over and over again!”
“Prayer is the biggest power we have. Pray always. But pray with an open mind. See what God has in mind.”
“I love you with all my heart … and I mean that.”
He also said when we were leaving, “Don’t forget me.”
I could never forget you, Daddy. I think of you every day, but especially on days like today. Heavenly birthdays undoubtedly get celebrated every day, but today I send you all my love from earth.
