September 1 was my dad’s 90th birthday.  Happy birthday, Dad!  In honor of his birthday and this big milestone, we had a blowout family celebration.

We started planning this 90th birthday celebration as soon as Tom and I got back from our trip.  In fact, we planned our trip so we would be back in plenty of time for the celebration.  At first, Dad was reluctant to give us any idea of what he wanted, but we insisted.  After all, someone of his advanced age should get what he wants for his birthday.  As we coaxed and insisted, Dad told us what he wanted.

Because his 90th birthday was on a Sunday, he wanted his family to come and worship at Lexington United Methodist Church of the Cross with him.  He wanted them to help with the music and for me to preach the sermon.  He wanted cookies for his church family.  And then he wanted his family to have dinner together at a restaurant.  It turns out he had given this some thought after all!  Not too elaborate, but requiring a little planning.

As soon as we had a plan from Dad, I contacted my brother and sister and their spouses.  All of us, in turn, contacted our children.  I had told John months ago to save September 1 on his calendar.  I didn’t know what we would be doing, but we would be doing something.

All of the grandchildren agreed to be there.  It is rare for us to find a date that everyone can come and it required some sacrifice.  Joe works nights and had to give up some sleep.  People had to make arrangements for their dogs.  Julia and Mike practiced some music to share.  I wrote a sermon.  Those of us who were traveling had to get up a little earlier than usual on Sunday morning.

 

Everyone helped with the preparations.  Mom ordered the cookies.  I reserved a room at Black Dog Tavern in Bellville.  Julia made a birthday banner and got some balloons.  One of the most fun thing was a group gift of a photo frame.  I bought an Aura Frame, which allows anyone who is invited to upload pictures from their phone to the frame anytime.  Everyone sent a variety of pictures and soon there were 300 pictures being shown on the frame.

Sunday, September 1, was a glorious day of celebration.  Everyone arrived at church to worship together.  The music was wonderful and the sermon was well-received.  The congregation sang “Happy Birthday” to Dad.  He smiled so much his face probably hurt by the end of the day.  After the service, everyone took time to talk to Dad and share stories about Dad with the rest of us.  The ladies of the church passed out the cookies.

When we were done at church, we all retired to the Black Dog.  Julia, Mike and a team of grandchildren had headed over earlier to decorate.  When Tom and I got there with Mom and Dad the banner was hung and there were balloons adorning the walls.  We had a private room on the main floor, which was good because the restaurant was very busy.  It was quiet and we could talk and enjoy each other.  We were all able to order from the menu which meant everyone could get exactly what they wanted.

Dad opened his presents and we had a prayer and sang “Happy Birthday” again.  Before and after the meal everyone moved around and talked to each other.  Our terrific waitress took a wonderful group photo of all of us.  We missed Alexandria, Jared’s wife, and Kyle and Carson, the other half of Julia Buckley’s family, but the rest of us had a wonderful time.

Dad was tired but happy when we loaded up and got him and Mom back to their home.  Tom and I set up the picture frame and got it working.  Dad looked at all his presents again and then opened his cards.  He had a wonderful stack of cards from the family as well as from his church family.  They joined the display of the 50 cards already at the house from other friends.  There were even eight unique 90th birthday cards.

Dad had a wonderful 90th birthday celebration.  It was good to see him surrounded by his family, living his life to the fullest as he begins another decade.