Hooray For 97!

My Dad has seen a lot of changes in his 97 years of living. Yesterday he reached that milestone after a rather rough week. I'm so glad that he not only reached it but did so with a smile. Some of his children and spouses were able to gather around him at the end of the day to reminisce and share some Chinese takeout and Ann's homemade coconut cream pie. He remembered the details of our stories which was amazing to all of us! He was so happy to leave the hospital after a couple of challenging days and get back home to his favorite blue chair.

Here Dad is sledding with his brother, Jay, while his mother, Annie, supervises. Below he poses with his younger siblings, Coral and Jay in Ora, ID, the place of his birth.

Here he and Ann sit in their blue chairs and enjoy the stories everyone shared. They are looking forward to the little videos that family members have prepared. Grandchild, Kenzie, stops by with her family Will, Taylor and Kate the morning after the big celebration. This was a tender scene so I couldn't resist.

Jackie wasn't able to join us but she brought another smile to his face with her phone call and birthday wishes.

The staff at the hospital crowded into his room to sing Happy Birthday and give him a gift basket. They also added a specially decorated piece of cake to his lunch tray.

He was happy for the surprise song and visit, but he was even happier to say "goodbye" and go home.