The Damned Olde Man

Posted By TDOM on October 31, 2009

And you too, Kayla

It’s the time of year when I must bid a happy birthday to my ancestral heritage. Ok, I say that tongue-in-cheek. They are just a little too alive to think of as ancesters. Earlier this week my grandmother took another step towards triple digits. She’s an amazing woman who has said for years that she’d never reach her next birthdy, but somehow she always makes it. Thanks for hanging in there grandma. It’s hard to imagine what life would be like without you. You’ve done so much over the years. I’d never have gotten through college without you, nor would I have gotten my master’s. But, most importantly, I may not have had the sense of family that I have today if it hadn’t been for your stories. You are loved and appreciated.

I won’t even hint at my mother’s age. Let’s just say she’s older than I am, and most of you think I’m as olde as dirt. Sorry Mom. I wasn’t the easiest son to raise, but I may not have been the most difficult either. I don’t call as often as I could. I rarely get home to visit. I constantly forget to send cards for special occasions (you are getting one, but it will be late). But, I love you and appreciate all you’ve done over the years. You’ve done a great job in raising my brothers, sister, and me. None of us ended up in jail. We’ve all managed to stay married to our original spouses. Each of us got at least some college, most of us graduated, and a couple of us went on to get advanced degrees. One of us may even earn a PhD in a few years. I think you can call that a success.

I love you and hope you have a wonderful birthday. I’ll try to remember to call.

I can’t forget to include my oldest granddaughter. Happy birthday Kayla. I’m just a little early and you will hear that from me in person in about a week. You’ve talked about wanting a lot of different things for your birthday. Tell me what you want most. Love, papa.

-TDOM

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Categories: Family
Tags: birthday, College, Family, Grandparent, Holidays, Home, Mothers, Parenting