A Great Birthday!

Bob had a great birthday! Thank you all so much for sending him so many cards. He really enjoyed sitting and reading them all.

I spent most of the day in the kitchen preparing for the afternoon event. I made three pounds of pizza dough, and a cake. Pat, Tina, and their daughter Helen came over and we all started making pizza and celebrating. Bob had so much fun hanging out with two of his grand-daughters Helen and Sarah. After everyone had left and he was getting in bed he told me over and over how much he enjoyed sharing the day with his family. It really was the best gift we could give him.

Pat and Tina got him a new bed. He really needed one since his bed was over 30 years old and was falling apart. He hadn't been sleeping well, so they decided it was time. A new bed with matress and box springs. That meant all new sheets and comforter also. He was all set up when it was all said and done. It is a beautiful bed that will last him a long, long while. What a great gift.

Dave, Lois, and Lesa came down and spent a few days with Bob and spent the day at Sea World with him. That was the best gift ever! He loved spending time with them and told me how much fun he had at the theme park with his family. What a special gift.

The cards everyone sent were fabulous. As Bob opened all of his cards and read each one we all laughed and made jokes after each one. And then he opened a card from an old friend from high school. Doris had sent him a card. He opened the envelope, read the front, and then opened the card. Silence. Tina and Rob both leaned toward their father. Pat and I both asked, “What does it say?” Silence. And then Tina spoke, “There’s a lot of writing, from all kinds of people. Here Daddy, let me help you with the names,” and she began reading messages from friends far away.

We all stood in awe and silence for a brief moment, touched that he has a network of love from near and far and that network spreads out further than we can imagine. It takes a small moment like that to make you smile. We smiled for Bob because he was happy, we smiled for his friends who were thinking of him, and we smiled for ourselves because we knew it was a good moment.

Enjoy his highlights from his birthday! We had a great time and sure wish you all could have been with us.