G-Pa Turns Ninety
There’s a pretty special man in my life turning 90 years young today.
When I was calling to invite my father-in-law’s friends to his celebration dinner, they were surprised. Ninety? Already? Yes, it’s hard to believe this young-at-heart grandpa to my kids is hitting this milestone.
Buddy and Princess call him “G-Pa.” They’ve grown up close to him mostly due to time together at the family cabin. When they were young, he’d load them and his dog into the aluminum boat and putt along the lakeshore from the cabin to the village so they could play with some of the other kids.
Over the years, he’s handed them paper and pencil to work out the answers to his challenging puzzles. He’s put them to work on projects that involved them in making the cabin a better place for all of us. He always finds ways to tease them and they find their own ways to get him back. Such a wonderful grandpa, he is.
I couldn’t have handpicked a better father-in-law for myself, either. There is so much I can thank him for:
- his willingness to accept me as I am and treating me as one of his own;
- the support he’s shown me through tough times;
- the opportunities he provided his own children that we’ve passed to Buddy and Princess – a cabin as a family meeting place, a sports club that’s our second home and community;
- his contributions to my kids’ characters;
- and his “glass half full” view of life.
G-pa loves people and shares his sense of humour generously. We never tire of listening as he tells his favourite jokes over and over since it’s never quite the same story twice. We love the way he laughs before he’s finished then looks to our faces, making sure we all agree that he is indeed funny.
I’ve always said, “I lucked out in the father-in-law department.”
I can’t wait to raise a glass to him tonight.
Happy Birthday, G-Pa. xoxo
Kathi
As a mother of two grown children, I am transitioning through the empty nest and embracing my writing life. My desire is to connect family by sharing legacy stories and my hope is that I inspire you to do the same. Together with my children, we venture into new lives, full of optimism and excitement!
10 Comments
Della
I remember Bob and his sense of humour, exactly as you describe him. Enjoy the celebration.
Kathi
We had a great time, Della. And guess what? He stood up in front of his friends and told one his classic jokes. It made my night!
Karen Lobello
Lovely tribute, Kath. Hope that you give him this as a gift tonight!
Karen
Kathi
I did put it in his card. 😉
Coly
Beautifully written! Cheers go G-Pa
Kathi
And he is going strong, Coly.
Karen Oliver
What a great birthday gift…a loving tribute.
Kathi
Thank you, Karen.
Saying Kaddish
What a beautiful tribute to a phenomenal man. You and your family are blessed.
Kathi
Yes we are, Sarah. 🙂