“On What Would Have been Dad’s 98th Birthday”
May 24, 2023
Today would have been my Dad’s 98th birthday and what better way to celebrate than with a Phillies’ game! My Dad held season’s ticket for over 70 years and when he was courting my Mom, they would often go to a game. My Mom, at that time, did not necessarily understand the game, but she took her cues from my Dad. When he stood, she stood. When he cheered, she cheered. Eventually, she equaled his enthusiasm, if not surpassed it at times, and all these years later, we still have a package of season tickets, and Mom, at 96 years of age, watches every televised game!
The game today was not too hopeful for the Phillies as they were trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 in the ninth inning. With only one out to go, the Phillies managed to tie up the game which went into extra innings. When all seemed hopeless, the Phillies were triumphant in the bottom of the 10th inning!
I am not sure that Dad cares that much about the game, but we were hoping for a win on his birthday. If the victory pales in comparison to whatever Dad is doing in heaven, it is a gift and a connection for us on what would have been his 98th birthday. We are smiling, not only for the win, but for how the Phillies pulled it out at the eleventh hour (or 10th inning)! Something that Dad, if he were still with us, would have enjoyed. And he would have been thrilled that Emma caught a ball!
Our lives are quite different without you, Dad, but we are carrying on, rehearsing memories of and with you, taking loving care of Mom, and making sure we faithfully watch the Phillies! Until we see you again, all of our love.
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. – I Thessalonians 4:13-14