Grand Old Man

Today, we threw a birthday party for my father, whose 90th birthday it is.

So, here's a quick recipe for a grand party for a grand old man.

First, get a sign that says "Happy Birthday.

CHECK.

Next have the birthday celebree arrive in style. Note, do NOT surprise a 90 year old.

CHECK.

Next, have a birthday chair waiting, so that the birthday celebree can "hold court."

CHECK.

Next, have a guest book for all party attendees to sign.

CHECK.

Then, make arrangements to have a birthday cake with the years clearly spelled out. Skip the candles, however--a) you don't want the cake to melt; and b) you want to have the birthday celebree save breath for more important things such as visiting with guests.

CHECK.

A particularly nice touch--have someone thoughtful send flowers (in this case, my sister Denise, who actually thought of sending flowers with no prompting from anyone).
CHECK.


Next, secure the assistance of the wonderful employees of the retirement village where my father lives to serve cake, scoop ice-cream, make beverages, and just in general do the work of food serving so everyone can enjoy the party. Do not, however, refer to them as the village people--it only confuses things.
CHECK.





Watch the celebree enjoy visiting, while sitting in the birthday chair.
CHECK.



And visiting.




Make sure that family members who are older than 90 also have a place to sit and visit.
CHECK.

Finally, if you are the hostess, make sure you sit down from time to time. And, remember to smile!
CHECK.

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A closing word: we did not surprise my father, but he did not know who the guests would be. Among those who attended were 20 members of my mother's family.

What wonderful family ties.

Also in attendance--several members of my step-mother's family, many former missionaries with whom my father worked, members of the Kiwanis club my father belongs to, and members of the men's singing chorus my father is in at the retirement village where he lives, along with various friends he has made along the pathway of his life.

As for immediate family members--my step-mother, me and my husband, my sister's daughter and her husband.

In all--90 people attended this grand party for a grand old man.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!