Tomorrow is my dad’s 70th birthday! He’s currently touring around South America somewhere so there is no big celebration. But 70 is a pretty big deal. I’m not sure my dad would have put money on making it 70….but I think he’s happy that he has.
It’s hard to buy a gift for someone when you’re still on the payroll now and then. It’s like ‘thanks for the $50 but can you make it $100? I saw this awesome golf bag you’d like!’ For his 65th, I gave him 65 thank you cards – thanking him for a range of things from encouraging my love of travel, to cleaning up my scrambled egg barf when I was a kid.
For his 70th, I topped it up with another five (thanks Molly!). Unfortunately, he didn’t remember the first 65…not as memorable a gift as I thought…so it was a bit lost on him but hey – I tried!
The 65 were tough. Not because I don’t have a ton to thank him for but seriously…you try it – it’s harder than you think!
The five extra were a breeze. I can boil them down to you in a simple sentence.
If it weren’t for my father, I wouldn’t have Will.
It was my dad and step-mom who had the initial, ‘Don’t you want to have a baby?’ discussion with me. This morphed into – ‘What is stopping you from having a baby.’ My answer was two-fold – ummm a man and money.
While my dad couldn’t help me find a man, (although he threatened to take an ad out in CA Magazine for one), he did assure me that he would help out financially if I needed it. And he has. I haven’t needed as much help as I thought though…which begs the question – how much effing money did I spend on booze in my thirties..but the peace of mind knowing they’re there if I need it is invaluable.
It hasn’t only been financially that my dad has helped though. He helped choose the donor (and didn’t just go for the astro-physicists); came to a couple ultrasounds with me; attended Will’s birth and cut the cord binding his youngest daughter and his last grandchild. And then ran to the LCBO to get me a beer!!! So Dad, Happy 70th Birthday! You are amazing.
I can’t buy you a round of golf with Tiger at Pebble Beach or a scotch distillery in Edinburgh. I can only offer you my thanks for giving me the greatest gift of all.
Poor dads eh? They always get the crappiest gifts.
You’ve posted about your Dad before. You’ve also talked about him when we’ve been together and you have given snapshot of a wonderful, loving man who is devoted to his family.
Happy Birthday Sara’s Dad – you sure know how to make a beautiful bellybutton!!
Happy birthday Sara’s dad! What an awesome dad to be there at Will’s birth and cut the cord!
my dad keeps a journal, mostly from his farm days…weather, frost, conditions etc….my birth day, “take (my mom) to hospital, drop her off.” not even step foot over the threshold! just drop. wow, those were the days 🙂
Thanks guys…..and Julie – he thankfully didn’t arrive until post epidural…and he sort of hid in the corner – but he was sure to not miss the cord cutting!!!!
I wish I was on my dad’s payroll…..heh.
AW> I’m so glad you have such a great relationship with your dad and he had provided you with so much support, not just financial. I envy this.
so my jaw hit the floor at the thought of your dad at the BIRTH!!! holy crap! he is a gift and i now love your dad, too 🙂
I didn’t know all that Sara. Your dad is an awesome guy…with his feet on the ground…I’ve always enjoyed my times with him… We’ll send along birthday wishes. Thanks for reminding us!
This post sounds like a pretty god gift, Sara… he must adore you (both) something awful. 🙂