Late in January I took a trip to my folk's home to visit my dad for his 80th birthday. He was so surprised when I pulled up in his driveway in a rental car, sporting my new silver locks and not expecting me, that he asked, "may I help you" ... as I got near to where he stood in the garage. Most likely he thought I was a friend of my mom's. It wasn't until he took off his glasses and I said 'surprise' that he started getting emo on me. Pop's bottom lip quivers when he's lost for words. You can still see the look of surprise on his face in the first photo. This was on a Wednesday. He would often ask if my brothers knew I had flown in ... but I kept putting him off by telling him they were too busy to come up so last minute. But on Saturday (1/3
1) both of my brothers and a sister-in-law showed up. Pop was again speechless. Not long after they arrived the doorbell rang. I told Pop I knew of no other surprises ... but there at the door stood his gr
andson, Jon, whom he had not seen in five or six years. His visit was a surprise to Pop, Mom, and myself. The last time my brothers, parents and I have visited together was 
five years ago when Pop turned 75. That night we had a very nice family style meal at a Basque restaurant and came home for cake and home made ice cream. On Superbowl Sunday, I had to return to my home but took with me many great memories. (click on photos to enlarge)
13 comments:
I love seeing your pictures and reading how touched your dad was! Those are the things in life that are REALLY important! All the rest of it just pales in comparison!
When my FIL turned 80 (3 years ago) we had a bbq bash. It has now turned into an annual reunion where we all get to visit w/o it being because of a funeral! Out side of our relationship with God and our spouse, our families are the dearest!
Hugs,
Connie
Hi Cathy, I am sharing the joy of your heart in being with you dad and family to celebrate. I really felt your joy... it must have been a really special time. It warms your heart I am sure, esp now that you're back in the land of snow!
Lovely to read about your family re-union and birthday celebration. I 'm sure you Dad treasures these moments in his heart.
WONDERFUL! He looks so happy (and surprised!!)
What a treasure! (I'd use caps, but don't want you to think I'm shouting at you.) Thank you for sharing, Mrs. Mac. Made me feel good. Barbara
How blessed you are! It sounds like your Pop had a great 80th birthday full of surprises.
Thank you for sharing it with us!
awwwwww i love that you did that ... :o) ...
my dad made it (just barely) to 72 - so what a blessing for you to still have your dad ...
Dear Mrs. Mac,
You gave your Dad the best present; yourself.
The wonderful looking man (he does not at all look 80, that smooth, silky skin and the clear eyes), I have enlarged the photos and can see he has a tear in his eye.
Oh, what joy you must have brought him.
I bet you had a wonderful time together.
I think visiting your parents is one of the best investment you can do.
Happy memories simply cannot be bought.
You have such a large, wonderful family.
Cleverly organized that you did not turn up all in one time.
Good that your Dad's heart could take all the surprises.
(I bet he had secretly hoped for some visitors).
Hugs and belated greetings from Felisol
This was the best trip; my dad still talks about it. Felisol, Pop indeed has very creamy skin, barely a wrinkle and sparkly eyes. He works out at the gym several days a week and stays very fit.
Hey M&M, you look good with that hair style! I was wrong, the gray is fine on you.
Your Dad sure looks healthy. I'm not that healthy now, at 80 who knows? The way I'm headed, well, ...
I am glad you enjoyed your visit, it really sounded nice. To bad Mr. Mac couldn't come but then I know how that goes. In the middle of the winter, dog, and all, someone needs to tend to things.
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BTW, thanks for stopping by. I am way behind.
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Oooh, that is so sweet, my eyes are filled with tears. I did click on the pictures and enjoyed seeing them all. Your Dad looks wonderful..in fact you all do. What a joyous Birthday you gave him. Happy Valentine's Day to you & your hubby Mrs.Mac! I hope its a day of many blessings...and some goodies. Thats a good wish coming from me who avoids 'goodies'...but I've been on my WII fit this morning and it told me I've gained 6 pounds since it checked me out 3 weeks ago. Ouch! Hide the sugar and cut my portions down for sure..grin. ~~How nice you are knitting..what color and pattern please? No knitting here, I'm still needing to get back to sewing. After we got home from our trip south, I've gotten off track. Help...grin
What a wonderful trip to Paradise. Your Pop must be a very special man to have such love shown to him. I love the look on his face when you surprised him...a look filled with love and a heart over flowing. You'll always have this memory, so you also received a wonderful gift!
this was wonderful to read....an abundance of happiness and blessings...you will always remember....
God bless
donna
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