4/4/44...the perfect lottery ticket combo, the perfect numeric combination, and according to my dad, the perfect day for a birthday...HIS birthday!
As always, I called my dad to wish him a Happy Birthday and let him know he was in my thoughts, as usual. He and mom are on their way back home after spending the winter on the West Coast. so I caught him on his cell.
During our conversation we were reminiscing about a special milestone this year..... Dad's Annual Birthday Greeting! 18 years ago today while living overseas, I thought I would be so clever and cute...I dressed Brittany up in a cute little outfit, had her hold a poster, bribed her to be still for 5 seconds, and took a picture.
What did the poster say? "Happy Birthday Grandpa 1994." I patted myself on the back for my cleverness and didn't think any more about it until those subtle hints started coming around March of the following year. Many more subtle hints later, "Where's my birthday photo?" "I sure loved my birthday photo last year.." a tradition was born!
Every year following, the Newmanettes would pose wherever we were on 4/4 and take a picture for Grandpa.''
This simple tradition became very interesting when our work transfers allowed us to take these photos in Italy, Greece, and even under the Eiffel Tower....that one was kinda fun because people in the surrounding crowd started to join in and wanted their picture taken. We eventually left the posters there and many photo memories were made, I'm sure.
Such a simple thing took on new meaning last year when we just didn't know what to do. We wondered, "do we continue the tradition without our sweet ornery one in the photo, or do we stop it and start new traditions with our New Normal?" I'm not kidding when I say I lost some serious sleep over this dilemma. I didn't want to cause my dad more hurt than he was already feeling but I didn't want to deprive him of any potential joy, so I finally built up the nerve to ask him.
His response just blew me away.....
"I miss Joshua so much and my heart is aching more than I can say, but I am ever so grateful for my granddaughters especially during this time, and I want to see their faces. Please take the photo." We immediately, put together a special poster and the girls smiled for their Grandpa.
I think this was the first hint that life would go on even when our hearts were broken. In the midst of loss, we appreciate even more what we have. I am extremely grateful for his thoughtful response.
This is only one of so many lessons my dad has taught me over the years. This is the man who was 1/2 of a partnership dedicated to raising me in Faith, Kindness and Love. Who wanted to be a Grandpa by 50, and got his wish with 3 months to spare.
This is the man who introduced me to the hug!
Once again, I realize I am truly blessed!
Hugs to You All!
Sherri
As always, I called my dad to wish him a Happy Birthday and let him know he was in my thoughts, as usual. He and mom are on their way back home after spending the winter on the West Coast. so I caught him on his cell.
During our conversation we were reminiscing about a special milestone this year..... Dad's Annual Birthday Greeting! 18 years ago today while living overseas, I thought I would be so clever and cute...I dressed Brittany up in a cute little outfit, had her hold a poster, bribed her to be still for 5 seconds, and took a picture.
What did the poster say? "Happy Birthday Grandpa 1994." I patted myself on the back for my cleverness and didn't think any more about it until those subtle hints started coming around March of the following year. Many more subtle hints later, "Where's my birthday photo?" "I sure loved my birthday photo last year.." a tradition was born!
Every year following, the Newmanettes would pose wherever we were on 4/4 and take a picture for Grandpa.''
 |
| Paris France |
Such a simple thing took on new meaning last year when we just didn't know what to do. We wondered, "do we continue the tradition without our sweet ornery one in the photo, or do we stop it and start new traditions with our New Normal?" I'm not kidding when I say I lost some serious sleep over this dilemma. I didn't want to cause my dad more hurt than he was already feeling but I didn't want to deprive him of any potential joy, so I finally built up the nerve to ask him.
His response just blew me away.....
"I miss Joshua so much and my heart is aching more than I can say, but I am ever so grateful for my granddaughters especially during this time, and I want to see their faces. Please take the photo." We immediately, put together a special poster and the girls smiled for their Grandpa.
 |
| Josh having fun |
This is only one of so many lessons my dad has taught me over the years. This is the man who was 1/2 of a partnership dedicated to raising me in Faith, Kindness and Love. Who wanted to be a Grandpa by 50, and got his wish with 3 months to spare.
This is the man who introduced me to the hug!
Once again, I realize I am truly blessed!
 |
| Britt and Stephi this year |
Happy Birthday Dad! Love you Bunches!
Hugs to You All!
Sherri
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