What’s the most exquisite way to celebrate a milestone birthday? I wonder…
December 5th my father turns 85 years old. I’m traveling 1500 miles over the weekend to be present with him and share his company. This is a man who has traveled the world, experienced as many experiences as he desires, contributes to causes regularly, fished all of the waters from Key West to the outskirts of Maine, adores his family and champions each member as best as he knows how … he’s enjoyed a full life. I forgot to mention he has also worked very hard his entire life. After the army where he served in the Korean war, he became a farmer hoeing a lot of oranges in the citrus groves. When the groves were sold, he became a highly skilled furniture repairman and antique restoration expert. (He would say he rubbed wood back to its pristine condition.) Retiring from furniture restoration he expanded his love of wood through artistic endeavors, more specifically, wood carving. At his ripe young age, he continues to create beautiful wood carvings for family and friends. His most favorite inspiration is fish – all kinds and many that he has had the pleasure of catching on one of his many fishing expeditions.
Certainly every day is a reason to celebrate. And, milestone birthdays allow us to REALLY celebrate in case we miss one or more of the “every days”.
I love you Daddy and this simple tribute is one way I am celebrating you. There is no tangible monetary gift that would come close to meaning more.
So, how do you celebrate milestone birthdays? What does celebration really mean? How do we tap what really matters to the one celebrated? I wonder…