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
Happy Birthday to you dad! I sure hope he has a blessed day.
Precious memories!
Like all the other ladies I am a big fan of your parents Rhoda!! Happy Birthday to your precious daddy!!
Happy Birthday, Rhoda’s daddy! I believe you need to give him the nickname “Man of Steel.” You are beyond blessed to have your parents alive and functional. My poor daddy resides in an extended care facility and most days has no idea where he is or who he is. Even though he cannot recall my name, when I leave from visiting him, he is always quick to give me a kiss and an “I love you.” Wishing many more happy birthdays for your family.
That was the sweetest post ever!
Happy Birthday to your Daddy!!! How blessed all of you are to have each other and enjoy being together! My family is like that and it’s a treasure!
Your Daddy is going to be the Rock Star of Haven!!! Share a blog post on his adventures along with the rest of your family’s experience. That will be fun!!
Happy birthday to your sweet and hardworking daddy! You were very blessed!
I am giving my dad a party on Aug. 1 for his 90th. My mom died 2 years ago on his birthday. She was in a hospice with lung cancer and I think she was trying to make it until his birthday. We never know what will happen, and can never be prepared. I know that you love and enjoy them so much.
Happy Birthday! You are an inspiration!!
Wishing the happiest of birthdays to your daddy! Be sure he takes it easy in his garden during this heat!! We can take lessons from him and your mama: having a lot of interests and staying active is the best thing for all of us.
Happy Birthday Dad!!! He reminds me so much of my PaPa. The look so much alike. Hope he has a great day!
Happiest Birthday to your wonderful Dad!
Wishing your sweet Daddy a Very Happy Birthday, and many, many more!
Yes, Happy Birthday to your daddy from blog land! And one of his groupies! LOL
Happy birthday to your father! I always have a smile when I read any news about him in your blogg. What a wonderful Dad. I feel like we all know him and he lives next door. Thank you for sharing him with the readers. Happy Birthday!!!
Continued good health to your parents and may you have many many happy days with your Dad and Mom. Your very lucky to have this kind of relationship with your parents. The fact that you know this and appreciate it means you are pretty special yourself .
Happiest Birthday Wishes to your Dad. Brings tears to my eyes as I miss mine so much. You are blessed to still have him with you. Thank you for sharing!
Melissa
Tears here….. Wishing your wonderful dad a very happy and blessed day. Enjoy every minute xxxx
Happy Birthday, to your sweet daddy! Rhoda, you’re so blessed to still have both your parents. I lost my mother at 61 and my daddy at the age of 76. I miss them both so dearly!!
Thank you, for sharing such sweet photos!
Aw, happy birthday to your Dad! I lost my dad exactly a month after we celebrated his 85th birthday in Germany, and that was exactly 4 years ago. I’m still in shock over it and miss him more than ever.
You are so blessed to have your Dad. He does so much, and I bet that keeps him young.
See you in a couple of days at Haven! I’m busy packing – you must be super busy organizing everything! Looking forward to seeing you soon!