Pop is 89!

My Dad's Little Store-bought Cake

You know how some people are very shy about their birthdays and never want a fuss or a spectacle; they prefer a quiet moment to receive a few birthday wishes. My Father is the exact opposite. He would welcome a town-wide parade to honor his special day if it was at all possible. He isn’t full of himself, no no, he just adores people and parties, festivities, gatherings and celebratory events! He is always the one who has ‘the mic’ - the M.C. - the master introducer, joke teller, putting-people-at-ease guy. This is my Dad.

But my Dad doesn’t remember this about himself any more.

My ‘Pop’ is literally quite bed-ridden at the moment, sleeping away his days with dementia Alzheimer’s that comes and goes at varying degrees. He has little mobility and doesn’t walk any more. He can walk I suppose, but he is now too weak. He knows his immediate family and caregivers, however the rest is fuzzy and sporadic.

I’ve been living with my Dad to take care of him. So many lessons. So many sleepless nights and frustrating moments. So much goodness. The long goodbye is a long process. God bless all the caregivers of the world. I had no idea how hard and how beautiful this role was.

On May 24, 1934 my Dad came into this world in Arnprior, Ontario. This week in Wasaga Beach, Ontario he turned 89.

His home hospital bed was surrounded by my Brother, Sister-in-Law, Niece and myself. My SIL made Pop a huge breakfast. We decided to party with him early in the morning.

There were balloons, birthday card, Coffee Crisp chocolate bars (one of his favorites) and this adorable tiny cake. We lit the candles and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him. He was able to sit up and blow out the candles!

YES! Eat cake for breakfast! (I love a grocery store cake!)

We asked Pop: “Are you happy you made it to 89?”

He paused and answered: “I’m happy I made it past 88.”

We laughed so hard. We hugged him. We told him we loved him.

He said, “I love you too.”

It was a special memory making moment. One we won’t forget.

Later that day when he had to wake up for his personal care and dinner I asked him if he enjoyed his birthday party this morning and his response was:

“Is it my birthday today?”