Everyday Living

Happy 91st Birthday, Daddy!

~ Birthdays, Everyday Living, Faith, Family

Happy Thursday! Long time readers have read many times about my amazing Daddy. Yesterday was his birthday…number 91. Butch and I, along with my brother and sister-in-law had a small celebration with Daddy in his home. Hopefully, we will be able to have a larger party later this month.

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:6‬ ‭

So many words come to mind in describing my Daddy. Loving. Kind. Gentle. Strong. Consistent. Faithful. Funny. Contented. Patriotic. Reliable. Patient. Steadfast. Loyal. Dependable. Unwavering. Christian! I could fill a page.

Daddy was born during the depths of the Great Depression in the Foothills of the Appalachians in NE AL. He was born into a typical rural, working class, Southern family. His childhood was similar to all children who grew up during that impoverished era. He spent his days attending school, playing with his older brother and younger sister. Daddy discovered baseball at an early age. He had the opportunity to begin a pro baseball career after high school graduation until the army called on him. To this day, he is an avid baseball fan with the St. Louis Cardinals being his favorite team.

Late 1950, his country needed him. He left his family and a promising baseball career to answer the army’s call. Daddy arrived in Korea in August of 1951 and was assigned to a surveyor team for artillery. He remembers November 5, 1951 as a cold and cloudy day as he and two other surveyors climbed Heartbreak Ridge, slightly north of the Thirty-Eighth Parallel in North Korea, He was seriously wounded when a land mine was tripped and a “Bouncing Betty” immediately exploded. He was transported by helicopter to Taegu Hospital with large amounts of shrapnel to his upper body and face. He also suffered a significant loss of blood. While in the hospital, he was awarded the Purple Heart. Within a month, Daddy was back with his unit seeing front line action.

I repeat this story often, because we must never forget the sacrifice of the greatest generation. Not only the greatest generation, but the sacrifice of all of those who followed and are still following in their footsteps. I want my grandchildren to understand that men and women have paid a great price for our freedom.

You can read more about my Daddy’s life here.

Daddy was honorably discharged from the army in October of 1952. My parents were married December 24, 1952. I often think of the miracle of grace that I grew up in a loving and Christ-centered home. My Daddy and Mother loved each other, they loved my brother and me, and most importantly, they loved God. Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, my childhood was as perfect as you can have in this life. Discipline balanced with love, not material possessions, but treasures that money cannot buy. My precious Mother passed away after a sudden illness on April 29, 2007. I rejoiced that our grandson, Wyatt was born on the anniversary of her homegoing! Daddy has certainly missed his beautiful bride, but he has handled it with grace.

Daddy, Mike (my brother) and I in 1971. We were slightly younger than the photo below.

Our Daddy was always involved in our activities as we were growing up. He successfully coached several of Mike’s baseball teams. He even helped Butch coach when Seth was playing baseball. I have sweet memories of seeing him drive up and wait patiently in the car while I finished cheerleading practices.

Daddy with his three grandchildren Joel, Hannah, Seth and their spouses! He not only supported us in all of our activities, but he and Mother rarely missed seeing their grandchildren’s activities.

Pawpaw has eight great-grandchildren, six boys and two girls. We haven’t been able to get a photo of Daddy and all of his eight great-grandchildren together. My niece and family live half-way around the world. This is her two boys, Ella Mae and Emma with their Pawpaw.

Pawpaw with my nephew’s three boys and Ella Mae, Emma, and little Wyatt. To say their Pawpaw is proud of these eight great-grands would be a huge understatement!

Daddy with his beloved sister Jean, who passed away in July. They were extremely close and talked daily. On this particular day, I had driven Daddy down to visit. Aunt Jean wanted to go to Zaxby’s for lunch. We were having so much fun, I thought they might ask us to leave or at least to be quieter. When the two of them were together, they could tell stories that would bring on side-splitting laughter. I was named after my Aunt Jean. She is certainly missed.

I had planned a large party for my Daddy’s 90th birthday last year, but the pandemic changed that. We were able to have a small family party! I think you can identify all of these faces.

I seldom miss a day visiting with Daddy. We are so thankful that he is able to still live by himself in the home where I grew up. He now uses a walker rather than a cane to move about. His knees have given out, but his mind is sharp as a razor. For that, we are so grateful. When I can’t think of something, I call him and he can remember names, places, times, etc.

Tuesday afternoon while I was visiting him, we started talking about one of our favorite topics…music, his music. I grew up surrounded by the sounds of big bands and legendary singers. My love for music came from Daddy. He made sure I had piano lessons and voice lessons while growing up. Music even brought Butch and me together, but that is another story. Back to Tuesday, Daddy started naming some favorite songs and I would find them on YouTube and play them. We spent an hour reminiscing as his music played. It was so special to hear his sweet tenor voice singing along. You can read more about our musical journey here.

This is a very brief peek into Daddy’s life. He has had many achievements, but he is most proud of his family. He has never desired earthly wealth, power, or prestige. His treasures are in heaven where they cannot be lost or taken away. I am so thankful for his ninety-one years that God has given him. Because of the love of my earthly father, it was not difficult to accept the love of the Heavenly Father.

I am most proud to be his daughter! Happy 91st birthday, Daddy!

 

Linking with:
 Pieced Pastimes,  Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
 Imparting Grace,Life and Linda

Comments

  1. What a most loving and sweet tribute to your precious daddy, Pam. I hope he has the most wonderful and happiest of birthdays!

    Reply

  2. I can’t stop crying from the beauty of this tribute to your precious Dad, Pam. I love him and all of you as if you were my family. I thank him for his service. My Dad is 11 years behind your Dad. He grew up playing ball, music was in our household, and the Lord guided us! Last night we made sure to watch the Cardinals play as they are our favorite! Your family is beautiful and I feel honored to be able to take a peek inside your beautiful life of family my friend. Love and hugs, Karla 💛

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  4. What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. You and your family are truly blessed. This world needs more men of his caliber to be a shining example of faith and truth to a lost world. God Bless and Happy Birthday to your Dad. 🙏❤️ Vicki

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  5. This is such a sincere and loving tribute to your father. He is a very special man and indeed you are blessed to have him as he is to have you. A most happy birthday to him. He sure has a sweet smile.

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  6. Happy 91st birthday to your sweet Daddy! His Christian influence on everone is such a blessing. What a wonderful tribute to him. His devotion to his family is obvious. What a blessing to not only to his family but to all of us. I am so glad you posted this! Clara❤️

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  7. Wonderful tribute to a dear man. As you know, He and Shirshee (Tara’s name for your dear mother, Shirley) were such an important part of Tara and my life. I so enjoyed talking with him on his 91st birthday, and going down memory lane. Lots of love to Coke Man (Tara’s name for Coy) and all of your precious family. Happy Birthday to our best example of the Greatest Generation.

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  8. What a wonderful dad you have. I am so glad you have so many wonderful memories. Please tell you Dad I thank him from the bottom of my heart for serving our country and keeping us safe. My Dad and I also were very close growing up. He came to live with us in his older years and to be honest with you, our friendship grew immensely during that time. My dad passed away at the age of 94. He lived a full and wonderful life and I am grateful to God for those wonderful times. Happy Birthday to your precious father and I hope he lives many more wonderful years. God bless you.

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  9. Happy birthday to your daddy. I just want to hug him! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  10. You are so blessed to still have your dad around and be able to sit down with him and reminisce. As I read this wonderful tribute, I thought how closely our dad’s lives were alike. Daddy died three weeks shy of his 90th birthday from a massive stroke that had occurred a week prior. When I think back to when I was a “stupid, know-it-all” young adult how clueless I was. How I miss daddy everyday and his advice and common sense to life’s challenges.

    Happy birthday to your dad! Continue to make those cherished memories. I sure wish I had recorded some of our conversations and his experiences in World War II.

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  12. What a beautiful story and family! I grew up in a loving family too. Lots of memories! Happy Birthday Daddy!

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  15. I would love to know your dad. You are a reflection of him and your mom in that you are all those things you mention. What an amazing gift to be so clear of mind at 91. My sweet husband has one of those brains that can recall dates and places. Looking forward to his 92nd one and to read over again your tribute.

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  16. What a beautiful tribute to your father! Thank him for his service! He is of the greatest generation! Happy 91st!
    He is a treasure!

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  17. Happy 91st to your sweet Dad. Blessings to him for many more birthdays, Great looking family that I know he is proud of.

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  19. Well, by now your beloved Dad must be aware how much he is loved by all of us. For those who had such a Dad, he is a sweet reminder and to those who did not, he is an example of the father God intended. To your list of his attributes, I humbly add mellow and dear, for that is what resonates across your blog in tribute to him. The love story written by your Parents at
    the heart of it all leads one to conclude theirs was a match made in Heaven from here through eternity..How fortunate, indeed.
    The family photos brought me to tears of joy for you all and the comfort and assurance found in witnessing the God-centered lives you share with us. There are no words nor will there ever be time to adequately convey the loving family I have found in yours. Bless you all, Pam dear.

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  20. A beautiful tribute to your daddy. Happy Birthday to him!🎂🎉. I relate to your Christian heritage, growing up in the 50s/60s, great music genres, old side-splitting family stories. It was a wonderful life. I grieve because my grandchildren will never know the easy-going life that I had. And I’m making a point of being sure they know about the sacrifices of The Greatest Generation.
    Thanks for sharing the events in your life that mean so much to you. Blessings!

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  21. Well, if this isn’t just the sweetest!!! I’m so sorry the Cardinals couldn’t pull one out in honor of your Daddy’s birthday yesterday. I’m a KC Royals fan, but I did watch parts of last night’s game while at a restaurant. Your Daddy has seen the worst and the best of this life. What an amazing screenplay he must have in his head! This was a wonderful tribute to him and to all he has accomplished, including raising wonderful children who feel loved and cared for. I loved this post. Happy Birthday, Mr. Pam’s Daddy! I wish you more of the best parts of your storied life!

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  22. What an incredible tribute to your father Pam, his love of God, family and country is so inspiring, you are truly blessed to still have him with you and so close by! Wonderful family photos that I know you treasure…Blessings to you all,
    Jenna

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  24. Pam, I love this birthday tribute to your darling daddy. Please wish him a very happy birthday. We were all so fortunate to have parents from the Greatest Generation…parents who taught us to love Christ, love our country, and have a strong work ethic. You are blessed to have such a loving family. 💕

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  30. dear friend, it is a pleasure to read your post. Every birthday of your father I read it with a smile on my face. It is so nice to know about him, about his life so interesting about him, about that goodness that he has in his smile. It is a true pleasure without a doubt … As we age we also remember our parents fondly. My father was also a loving and military man, but his personality was what can be said of “a peaceful man”, with a sweet and very affectionate smile.
    Thanks friend, my wish is that those 92 years !!! be the beginning of immense happiness.
    With love

    Dolores

    Reply

    • Querida Dolores, gracias por tus comentarios que me alegraron el corazón. Tu padre parece un hombre maravilloso. Sé que lo extrañas. Estoy muy agradecida de tener todavía a mi dulce papá y su sabiduría. Espero que te estés curando y cuidándote.

      Enviando mi cariño y abrazos!

      Pam♥️

      Reply

  31. Happy Birthday to your wonderful Dad. What a beautiful tribute to your Dad and how blessed you are to be with him. What a faithful man to his country, to his family and his God. The greatest generation is the greatest generation. My Dad was one of them. I loved all the photos. Your Dad looks so young and healthy. I pray God’s richest blessings for him and your entire family.

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  32. Un feliz cumpleaños para su amado padre. Que linda familia y tu eres muy y persona muy especial. Desde lo mas profundo de mi corazón les mando muchas felicitaciones y muchas Bendiciones de Nuestro Padre Eterno.
    Dios.

    Desde Colombia, con Amor

    Reply

  34. Oh, Pam! This is just so touching! I am so thankful you still have your dear Daddy with you. God bless you with many more happy birthday celebrations together. Sending much love to you!

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  35. Wow, can’t get over the similarities of our Dads. Mine will be 92 on Nov.9th. He was a Baptist minister for 50 years and my Mom has been dead 13 years on Dec. 1. He now lives in an Assisted Living Facility about 5 miles from me. He served in the Navy from 1948-1952. He only has 20% vision due to MD. That alone has made his world so small but he does really well considering and thankfully is still very mentally alert. A most enjoyable post!

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  37. Your precious summary of your daddy’s life was heartwarming and truly special. I hope that your larger celebration goes well and that he basks in the love of your family. Thank you for taking the time to write out this account of an exemplary life well-lived, and for sharing the wonderful photos too.

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  38. Oh Pam, what a wonderful life. And what a joyous occasion. You are so lucky to still have your father (but then he’s lucky to have you!). These photos are such treasures. A day to remember.

    Reply

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