Today, July 14th, is my Dad’s 88th birthday.  We certainly don’t take that for granted and know that we are blessed to still have him and my mom with us.  We want to keep them forever, but know that will not be the case, so we try to savor every moment we have with them.  I’ve been talking to several of my friends recently who have lost their parents or are caring for one who is left after losing a spouse.  I know that one day my sister, niece and I will be in the position of looking out after our parents even more.  They are still very self sufficient in so many ways and we are grateful for that.  God has blessed us with healthy parents.
I wrote a lengthy post about my dad on his 85th birthday, so if you missed that go back and read it.
So today I want to honor this man we called Daddy and Grandaddy on his birthday. Â He’s done so much for all of us and we love him dearly. Â Our family is very close and we do for each other.
I pulled out a few pics from my archives that I’ve shared before, but today it’s all about dad. Â Here he doing his favorite thing in the world…..planting his garden.
That sweet great grand baby, Parker, has captured his heart.
Our photoshoot in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution earlier this year. Â Dad was such a big part of my house renovation and I couldn’t have done it without him.
Dad in his garden in the NC mountains. Â It’s even bigger than his Georgia garden.
Picking greens in his Georgia garden. 
Mom and Dad on the swing at their NC house. They have so enjoyed this place too over the years.
Lauren, his only grandchild, still loves to sit on his lap like she did when she was very little. Â It hasn’t changed a bit.
Sitting in one of his favorite spots, the backyard swing. Â He takes lots of naps on this swing.
Dad holding baby Parker for the very first time.
A look back at my house renovation 3 years ago, wearing his tool belt.
Those hands, that have captured so many of your hearts too.
And his tomatoes which are his pride and joy every year, a bountiful crop from the garden.
I know how much you all love to see him and so today, I wish him the best birthday ever! Â Happy 88th Daddy! Â We love you!
Haven starts on Thursday and this year, my entire family is coming down to check it out in person, including mom and dad. Â Lauren will be here with Parker and she and my sister will bring our parents down for lunch on Friday. I can’t wait to show them all off and let them see what Haven is about!
I’m writing again with Ebay this summer, putting together style guides on many topics, so I’d love for you to take a look at these.  Hint, hint….they love it when you click over!  🙂  Just click the photo!Â
Well Rho I am in tears this morning. What a wonderful tribute to your Daddy. For your people out there that read her blog. I have spent time with her parents. They have welcomed me into their home many times. Her Daddy is truly wonderful. Her Mom too. God Bless your Daddy on his birthday! He is still going strong.
Happy Birthday to your wonderful Daddy xxx
No words here…..just tears!!!
God bless xx
Rhoda my parents are the same age as yours. My Dad will be 88 later this year. He’s very much like yours. I don’t know what I would do without him! We are so very lucky! Enjoy every day!!!
Happy Birthday Dad!!
A very Happy Birthday to your Dad. He is a gem. My family is eager to celebrate my dad’s 95th birthday on August 1st. He is the entertainer at his assisted living ‘s social hour. Dad loves to sing. He has ten great- great grandchildren.
Oh how blessed you are to have your parents and they are healthy! I lost my parents when I was 6 and at 18… Never got to share my adult life with them. Today I am celebrating my grandson’s 1st birthday. He is precious and is a little miracle his Momma and Daddy didn’t think they would enjoy. Even though I don’t really know your Daddy, makes it special to know they share a birthday!!!
Blessings to your entire family with celebrating your dad’s birthday – and Haven! Enjoy!
Rhoda,
Your beginning paragraph speaks volumes!!! You are truly blessed to have both your parents in what appears to be good health and mobility…but, you know that.
Yes, one day you will be doing more for them, but it will be with much love. You will recognize that time as treasured moments.
We lost my mother at 87, five years ago after an illness. Dad is 92, (sharper than I am!!), and an absolute delight to talk to. I realize these days are my treasured moments. (Some moments easier than others!) I know that I’m, also, one of the lucky ones!!
Happy Birthday to your dad, regards to your mom, and much love to you,
Jo Marie
Happy Birthday! What a special blessing he is.
Rhoda, Happy Birthday to your dad. I have always felt a connection to him because he reminds me so much of my dad that I lost 18 years ago. Salt of the earth men – so full of wisdom and love. My dad’s favorite thing was his garden and he was also from NC. You and your family are a blessing!
A Very Happy Birthday to your beautiful daddy! We love reading and seeing how creative he is. Your mom and dad and family have had a very blessed life…and I wish many many more healthy and happy years for him and for all of you. Your mom and dad are just the cutest!!
A BIG DAY TODAY!!!!!! I JUST LOVE YOUR DAD…HE AND MY DAD (GOING TO BE 91 IN SEPTEMBER) WOULD BE GREAT PALS, I THINK! I WISH HIM WELL AND IDENTIFY WITH SO MUCH OF WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT HIS AND HIS ROLE AS THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY! WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT OUR DAD’S?????????????????????/
You are so blessed that your dad can do so much at his age. My mom turned 94 yesterday. It really wasn’t a happy occasion. She has been bedridden for almost 3 years and has had dementia for about 15.
Happy Birthday to your dad! Greetings to your family and enjoy those veggies!
Happy Birthday to your Daddy!!! Wish you could ship some of those vegetables to Chicago – our garden was under water too long for anything to survive.
Happy Birthday to your sweet Dad, Rhoda! I’m so sad to miss Haven this year and seeing your family! I know they will enjoy seeing what it’s all about and everyone will enjoy seeing THEM. Blessings and I hope to see you soon! xo Heidi
Happy Birthday to your Dad!
He is obviously the rock on which your family has been built.
I don’t even know him, but love him.
I pray he has the happiest day today!!
Please tell your dear,dear Daddy how much he is loved and admired by all of us out here in Blogland! What a wonderful, loving, hard working family man he must be…happy birthday and many more healthy happy years to him and your sweet Mama! Much love from Cleveland, Ohio xx
Happy Birthday to your sweet Daddy!
What a fine gentleman your daddy is! An inspiration to us all!I wish many birthday blessing for him.
Hope your dad has a blessed birthday and many more to come.