When a man turns 86 you want to throw him a parade. That's a lot of stuff. He fought in a war, cut school to see concerts (Big Bands were the grunge of the 30's), built houses and traveled. The youngest of 9...he watched as they all left him here alone...one by one. He was an apprentice, a worker and went on to be a foreman for a company that did the gorgeous finishing woodwork in buildings you just might have heard of...like the Sears Tower in Chicago or the courthouse in Media. Maybe you've even heard of places like the World Trade Center or the Statue of Liberty. Yep, he would walk down the streets of Manhattan and men would wave and share a joke. Somewhere along the line in his decades of making things gorgeous he met every plumber, drywall guy, electrician, mason, architect, construction guy and carpenter. When he turns 86 you want to build him a stage and have a concert to celebrate this life. He lived as the most devoted husband one could know and the sweetest father and grandfather ever to roam the earth. You want to thank him with riches and trips and all he wants is a "candy bar". Each year since I'm little I would ask what he wanted for his birthday and that was his reply..."just a candy bar, Cookie...I have everything that I need".
The past few years have been a challenge. He lost his wife. He has little or no family. The ones he does have live far. He has us. We include him as much as we can and cater to his needs quite often but I know we can't replace all that he has lost. He is also not as sharp as he used to be so it has moments that are frustrating to say the least. In those moments I remind myself of the past and try to remember all of those magical times. There is also the frustration of lack of time, resources and money to properly celebrate a fellow turning 86. So....instead of a parade or concert or party...we headed to the Olive Garden. The man likes his Italian food. After a few tear causing cards and a new pair of slippers off we went. Little did I know it would be such a wonderful evening.
My dear friend is a manager at the Olive Garden and even though we were just us in little old Stroudsburg we felt like the rich and famous at any high end hoity toity joint. The food was extra delicious and the service was the best it could've been. We went the whole range from appetizers and wine to desserts complete with birthday singing and every bit was perfect. Work and school and functions keep us busier than we need to be at times and this was the world on PAUSE. It was relaxed and yummy and as homey as one can feel outside of their very own dining room. It was a happy birthday indeed.
Ryan you seem to come through for me in some of the bigger moments in my life and for that as well as a most beautiful evening...I thank you! They are lucky to have you. I know you have left the big city and the fancy shmancy restaurant for a life here with us all and for that we are all blessed and grateful!!!
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