I was much better at remembering dates, numbers, and such pre-cell phone days. Back then you had to remember it. I was pretty good at birthdays and great at phone numbers.
Fun(ny) fact: Our home phone number in Hilo was 808.959.1739 or 1SEX as my Catholic school classmates would inform us.
While my memory of dates, numbers, and [poop emoji] aren’t what they once were, there are two days I can never forget, my Mom’s birthday, and my Dad’s birthday, which also happened to be their wedding anniversary so technically three days, and honestly four because my Mom was born on Mother’s Day, which yes, I know, rotates.
As some of you Dear Readers might know, Dad exited stage left in 2020, just as Covid19 made its onscreen debut. “His work here was done.” as my teacher would remind.
If Dad were still on this side of the veil, he’d be 75.
As time passes, much like I wondered what he’d have told me at turning 40, getting married, and [insert life milestone here], I am curious what his thoughts at 75, such a remarkable, monumental age, would be.
I remember when he turned 70, he legit seemed pretty stoked about it. There was a softening to his demeanor that had been unfolding in the two decades prior but I really got the sense he enjoyed where he was and felt content. The aches and pains might not have made everything perfect, but he was stoked where he and Mom were, and how his Life had unfolded.
If one has that, that’s all we really need.
As life continues without him physically here, I feel the void while also learning to enjoy the new memories our family is creating with it still there amidst his absence. It’s beautiful, odd, sad, [other feelings] and all of the above, but I can see the growth in myself, for which I try to remind myself is invaluable as I grow into a healthier human+being each day.
If anything, the void makes the memories even stronger.
Be the best you can be Jas. Some days your best will be better than others. And that’s okay.
With that, Dear Reader, sing along as “all the monkeys in the zoo, wish the very best to you Dad, Happy Birthday to you!”