These Things We Must Never Forget: February 2006

My Father, the Soldier

Friday, I picked Dad up from the Center alone. Mara was sick and stayed home with Cade. That simple fact made this conversation--any conversation--possible.

Tamara: Dad, how was your day?
Dad: Oh, it was fine, I suppose.
Tamara: That's good. Did you do anything new?
Dad: Nothing new, no, not really. It looks like I'm going back into the military.
Tamara: You're going back into the military?
Dad: Well, I don't know anything for sure, yet, but it's looking that way.
Tamara: Well, what makes you think that?
Dad: Well, you know, when they present you with a new situation, you just have to accept it.
(At this point, I did some back tracking to see if he meant the folks at the Center or the military. Dad frequently confuses pronouns and antecedents, which takes a little extra effort to figure out.)
Tamara: So the Center is going to make you go back to the military?
Dad: No, no. Not the Center. The military.
Tamara: Oh, okay. The military is calling you back to duty.
Dad: Well, I think they might be.
Tamara: Well, Dad, how do you feel about that? Do you feel happy about going back into the military?
Dad: Oh, no. I don't feel happy about it at all!

**Pause. Now I've figured out that he's unhappy about this, I have to come up with a way to help him out of it.

Tamara: Well, Dad, you know...you just turned 60. That birthday party was for you.
Dad: Yeah.
Tamara: I don't think they can make you go back into the military once you've turned 60.
Dad (starting to brighten a bit): I haven't though of it that way.
Tamara: Yeah. So all you have to tell them is that you're 60 now, and they can't make you go back. In fact, I know for sure that they can't even legally ask you back now that you're over 60.
Dad: Well, I feel so much better now!

(A few minutes later)

Dad: Do you know if anyone has heard from Bev?
Tamara: Oh, yeah. Mom told me she arrived home, safe and sound.
Dad: Oh, I've been so worried! (Turning to face me) You're just full of good news, today!
Tamara: Well, Dad. I try. I make it a point to stay current on all the news so I can tell you if there's something you need to know. So you just come ask me anytime you have a question.

Dad's 60th Birthday Party

This week was Dad's 60th Birthday, and we celebrated today. Cade was in charge of the food, Cheryl sent out the invitations, Erin took care of decorations, Mom and Bev got the pictures in photo albums, and I took the pictures. It was really a family affair!

Of course, we couldn't have celebrated without friends and family, and we were able to welcome some very good and longtime friends to our celebration, as well as some out-of-town family. Dad seemed to have a good time and participated in conversations with the guests. He might not have always been aware that the hoopla was for him, but he definately enjoyed the party. It's nice to know that it doesn't take fancy gimmicks or games to make a good party--Good food and good friends make for good times.

Here's a roll call of our guests. I think I captured at least one shot of everybody. Many others sent cards and warm birthday wishes to Dad, and we're so thankful for all the love we have from all of you. Even if you didn't get to come today, here's hoping you still feel a part of the celebration!

The spread--or at least part of it. We also had hot food items on the counter, including meatballs, cocktail weeners, and Cade's Famous Stuffed Peppers! Yum.