Celebrating a Heavenly Birthday: Honoring My Dad's Memory

Today is my dad's heavenly birthday. He would of turned 74 today. His last birthday in the physical world was his 62nd. Even though he is no longer here in physical form, I remember and celebrate him on this day. Buttered theatre popcorn is always a special treat to celebrate his birthday. Remembering my dad on the day he began his existence in the world is as important as remembering him on the day his journey ended here.

My dad's birthday always coincided with the annual Telemiracle telethon which is a 49 year old Saskatchewan tradition. I can remember watching it as a family and looking for names and faces of people we knew either performing or donating to the cause. I can also remember many a party celebrating my dad, one with 40 buzzards on the lawn to celebrate this milestone year. (I thought my parents were so old when they turned 40. Perspective in hindsight....what I wouldn't give to be 40 again.) These celebrations meant our basement would be full of laughter, storytelling, music, spirits, food, and good cheer.

My dad's last birthday was on March 3rd, 2013. He passed from this earth 12 days later. I remember watching Telemiracle with him that last time as he tried to place a phone call to make his annual donation. At the time he had a two week old grandson in the NICU whom he had never met that was fighting for his life. I watched my dad struggle to speak to the person on the other end of the line. She couldn't hear his weak voice, ravaged by his battle with cancer, for the stage filled with live performers. Either my mom or I had to take over that call, but he made sure the donation was made. A donation which would support families and babies like our little Kelan.

Near my dad's last birthday, I also vividly recall one of the last big hugs he gave me when I went to visit. He stood up to say goodbye, embraced me and whispered in my ear, "Please don't wait until you are 62 to figure it out....."

Now that I am at home working on me, my mental and physical health, I can finally say I know what he means. I thought I knew in that moment what he meant, but I didn't truly. I continued on the way I had been, extreme worth ethic in high gear, slowly running out of fuel.

The people who love him have a variety of ways to honour him on this special day. Popcorn as mentioned is a favourite, but angel food cake, music, movies, messages and sharing on FB and on the family chat are other things that occur.

I remember him every day, not just on the day he was born. What I am thankful for now is that this day is not associated with as much pain and loss. I will always miss him, but instead of being sad, this day feels a little more joyful.

He lived. He existed. He shared his talents and his gifts with those around him. He wasn't perfect, but he loved us deeply.

I miss him.

I am forever grateful that he was born on this day 74 years ago, and every year we will celebrate his heavenly birthday.

I can imagine him up there laughing and having a grand old time, the music turned up loud, playing his piano or accordion. I picture him finally free of his constant need to achieve and produce, just being able to relax, rest and "be".

Cheers to you dad. I love you.