Birthdays are a milestone. Every year they come whether we want them to or not. Some birthdays are eagerly anticipated while others are dreaded with every breath we take. Milestone birthdays are extra special. And while all birthdays should be celebrated, BIG birthdays deserve special recognition and even a party (or possibly 2). Such was the case with Grandpa Post turning 90 years old. It seems like just yesterday that we had a 75th surprise birthday party for him for him at Oakdale Park Church. His 80th birthday was celebrated at the now closed Mountain Jack's restaurant. All of the family came but the number was much smaller than it is now. The 85th birthday was a celebration with the children but included a dvd that had been made of his life and was set to music.
This past summer Grandpa started to go down hill, health-wise. When he entered the hospital on May 21, that was the last day he actually lived at his house. After discharge, he went to Raybrook Manor and in September was moved to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods. During all this time, the thought about a birthday party started to grow in my mind. After all, birthdays are a big deal. I stuck to my guns about wanting this party for him (and the family), planned the birthday event (with some help from mom and dad as the event became bigger than I'd planned it to be) and even though he said he wouldn't be around to attend it, he made it to his party. What an event it was!!!! He stayed for the entire event, eating pizza, cake with ice cream, watching movies and slide shows about himself, visiting with children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and others. The evening was topped off by celebrating communion together. It was such an warm and memorable night for all. Exactly what birthdays are supposed to be......
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