It’s my dad’s 77th birthday today! He probably doesn’t feel that lucky currently–he had his bank account info stolen and had to go through all that headache–but we are definitely lucky to have him in our lives. Who else would have every tool his kids need for any project? Who else would have taught me how to do tile? Who else would have inspired Skyler to join the Civil Air Patrol?
I usually skim through previous year’s birthday posts before I write a new one (mostly so I can get the number right) and over the last few years he’s dealt with eye surgery, cycling accidents, rebuilding his life after Mom…and he just “keeps on keeping on.” He always has.
I remember being so surprised in 2019 when he told me he was listening to First Aid Kit’s “My Silver Lining” (I shouldn’t have been; he’s always been in tune with pop culture). I didn’t know how he found it but I realized it was perfect for him:
Gotta keep on going,
Looking straight out on the road,
Can’t worry ’bout what’s behind you
Or what’s coming for you further up the road.
I try not to hold on to what is gone,
I try to do right what is wrong,
I try to keep on keeping on.
We’re all glad you’ve kept on keeping on for another year, Dad. Happy birthday!