Today is my father’s 96th birthday! He lives in
FL with my stepmom who is 90. They live independently and I’m so proud of both
of them because they lead active lives. They still drive and go to the senior
center once a week. At their age, many elderly people seem to isolate
themselves and seem depressed, but not my parents. They are very upbeat and
happy people, which may explain their longevity. They are great role models for
how I want to lead my life and I hope I live to be his age and longer!
When I was young I was told how my father arrived in the
United States and I am always amazed at my father’s bravery. My father came to
the United States as a young boy all by himself. He took a boat from China and
arrived in Vancouver, Canada. Then he took a train across the country to
Boston, MA to meet up with his father whom he hadn’t seen in years. I can’t
imagine being alone and not even knowing the language and embarking on a trip
of this magnitude. Whenever I think I can’t do something or I’m too scared to
do something, I think about my father’s great adventure.
My father served in the army during WWII and I love to hear him
tell stories about this time. He talks about his time in Italy and Africa. Last
year we took a cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam IV and he reminisced about being
on the Nieuw Amsterdam II that took troops to Africa. I can only imagine the
courage it took to be living during these times.
So, I just want to take today to wish my father a happy
birthday! I hope he has a day filled with lots of love and laughter.
Happy birthday Pa!
1 comment:
Pat--Your dad looks maaahvelous for 96. He and your stepmom look happy, too.
I'm sure--as active as you are--you will lead as long and full of a life as he is living.
Thanks for sharing a bit of his story. (It sounds like such an adventure. It also sounds like a story that you should write down so it doesn't get forgotten.)
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