Last year, my heart was so full. After 3 years of separation, I flew to Canada to meet up with my sisters for my Dad's 80th birthday. I surprised him. I called him from the Toronto airport with my husband on the line and we delivered our birthday wishes together. He thought we were both at home on the west coast.
My Dad was shocked when a few hours later, I popped out from the kitchen to ask him if he wanted to have some Swiss Chalet for lunch. We messed up the filming of the actual moment. But, maybe that's for the best. Some moments are meant to be experienced and not recorded.
During my latest trip home, this summer, I surprised my Dad at work. The funniest part of the visit is how quickly our roles reversed. Dad was like a middle schooler whose space had been invaded. Dad was ready to get rid of me after twenty minutes with his coworkers. His coworkers are so welcoming. The group called on his 80th, they came out en force when our mother died, and they regaled me with amusing work stories when I visited.
Of course, the most important part of the equation is health.
My Dad loves being able. He loves going to work because his job is part of his fitness routine. Dad and I have talked about what it means to get older and he always comes back to appreciate for your health, keeping your body moving, and have somewhere to go or something to do that gives you purpose.
This is my dad and his work buddy. These two are in their 80s. Wait what??? We all have #goals. Please add 80s being the new 60s to your list. Love you Dad. Thanks for always standing for what you believe.
