Kim and I just returned from a week in Phoenix celebrating his dad’s 90th birthday! We threw a nice party for him and old friends gathered to wish him well and congratulate him on this milestone. I heard a few people congratulate him on this accomplishment and I thought to myself, “accomplishment?” There isn’t much to accomplishing a birthday. They happen every year. All you have to do is wake up every morning for 365 days and there you are, another birthday! But, there is something special about 90! Not everyone is blessed to see that number and not everyone who sees that number is blessed to be there.
My father-in-law is one of the blessed ones. His health isn’t perfect. He actually has cancer, but you wouldn’t know it. He golfs every week, walking the course even. He looks 15 years younger than his age. He still serves his church. He gardens and continues to build things with his hands. Whatever happens from here is all bonus.
I do wonder, though, why some people get those bonus years and others don’t? Is it just good genes, healthy living, luck of the draw, fate, destiny, perhaps a combination of all those things? My own dad died at 67. No bonus years there. Am I jealous? A bit. I wouldn’t be human if I wasn’t. I miss my dad, but I’m glad Kim is still able to share his life, his thoughts, his dreams with his dad. I remind him often not to take that for granted.
Time with family can become a drama that will rival any Hollywood movie, but not this time. This time a fast paced week slipped away quickly as we shared memories, laughter, fears, and dreams with some of the people we love most in the world. Most importantly we shared time. No gift wrapped up in pretty paper, topped by a bright, colorful bow can come close to matching the treasure of time.
Pick up the phone. Drop a short note. Send a text. Visit. Let the people in your life know just important they are to you. You may not get bonus years, but in the end time spent together, time spent talking to one another, no matter how you do it…that’s the real bonus.
Beautifully written, Sheri! We are happy we got to see all of you and spend a little time together. Our family has always been so very blessed to have the Pardinis in our lives, and we’re grateful to have been included in the special celebration. God bless all of you!
Thank you Colleen. It was good to see you too. A Pardini celebration without the Van Wormers would feel like something was missing. Glad you were able to make it.
You have always had a way with words. It’s a gift. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed reading it.