I just wanted to pop in with a little share about dad today. Last week, July 14th, he turned 97Â years old. Mark and I went by to see him and I took him a card, balloon, and an ice cream treat and he was so happy we did. He was quite talkative that day when I reminded him that it was his birthday and how old he was. He’s such a sweet man and when I have conversations with him, it always comes through how grateful he is for where he is in life.
I think he enjoyed our visit and his treats as well. I’m so happy he’s doing so well and seems to be content and happy whenever I stop by to see him. He seems to comprehend that he’s in this place and that they take care of his daily needs. What a blessing it is to have places like Dogwood that help memory care patients still live and function in their lives.
He’s not very sociable and tends to be a loner, but I think he enjoys watching the activity going on around him. I take him outside at least once a week and he really loves being outdoors. That’s always been his happy place.
I try to remember to take pictures of him very often too when I stop by. At his age, we have no idea how long he has left. At this rate, he could live to 100!
He often remarks how grateful he is that he can still get up and walk around. He’s very slow now on his walker, but so far can still manage to get up and shuffle with his walker to where he needs to go. He has a few spots around the facility that I can usually count on him to be, so it’s easy to find him.
He enjoys going out to the front porch and watching the traffic and trains go by. He looks around at the blue sky and all the activity happening around him. He’s still very observant.
I can see content on his face and I’m grateful that he is content and happy. It sure makes it easier on me. He doesn’t bring up mom very often anymore and that’s fine too. I know she is tucked away in his memories and he still loves her deeply, but he’s not verbalizing those feelings. Perhaps that is the best, to keep him from grieving continually. We all miss her, but we know she’s in a much better place and one day, daddy will be with her again.
I just wanted to take time to share his 97th birthday with you all. He’s an amazing man and we are grateful for his long and happy life.
Happy 97th birthday to your sweet daddy. What a blessing to have followed your journey and to have watched your dad help you finish your last house – side-by-side along with you. You’re a good daughter, honoring your father to the end… that’s how it is. . . They help us we help them. God bless him.
So happy to see your Father and the birthday milestone.
Happy Birthday to your Daddy! How wonderful that he is mobile and loves your visits! Blessings to you, him and your family!
Such sweet stories of your dad!
I am so glad he is happy, content and well cared for. Thank you for sharing his birthday with us Rhoda.
I am so grateful to behold a devoted daughter like you. You honor his life and that the wonderful. God bless.
Happy belated birthday wishes to your dad! It is remarkable that he still has his mobility. God bless!
Happy Birthday to your dear father! I am grateful God is giving him this ease at his stage of life. Grateful for your whole family.
Birthday wishes to your dad. Nice to see that he still enjoys life and your visits. He is blessed to have you as a daughter. S
🩷 love this. Happy belated to your father. At this point, I hope you celebrate half birthdays!
Great idea!!!
Happy belated 97th birthday to your sweet Daddy. He reminds me so much of my own Dad.
It’s wonderful to see him so content. He is blessed to have you. Wishing you all many blessings.
I always love hearing about your dad! Wow—97! I’m happy he’s content and well cared for. I’m sure that would please your mama.
Aww….Happy Birthday to your Dad! 🙂 What a blessing that he seems calm and peaceful at this point in his life.
Rhoda, thanks for sharing your precious Daddy with us! We always enjoy reading about him and seeing such nice pictures of him. Over the years, we have felt that your dear Daddy is such a special man who has held a very special place in our hearts! We continue to keep him in our hearts and prayers — and you, too, Rhoda as you so lovingly care for him. May God Bless you and give you joy in your heart as you are there for your precious Daddy. We wish him a belated Happy 97th Birthday! We continue to pray that God will bless him each day and give him peace as only He can do.
Happy birthday to your sweet daddy. He’s a remarkable man and I know you are so proud to b his daughter. Always enjoy any updates.
Happy Birthday to your dear Dad. God bless him.
It is so sweet of you to share your Dad with us. How nice that you get to spend a 97th birthday with him! Thanks for letting us celebrate with you. It is such a blessing for him and for you, that he is content and happy in his environment.
God Bless him.
Hi Rhoda , when my husband Ted and I met you and your parents at your open house we were amazed at how vibrant they both were. Happy birthday to him. Carole
HI, Carole, that seems so long ago, but it was 2012, so not that far back. They sure did well all through their 80’s.
Happy 97th Birthday to your sweet Daddy! I am so happy to hear he is still mobile and doing well for his age. I always remember the beautiful gardens your dad had and how he loved working in it. You can tell he is still most happy when in the outdoors. May God continue to bless and watch over him.
Wishing your father many birthday blessings – what a long life and he is blessed to have you for a daughter, too!