That seems like such a long time ago to me - (and I bet to him as well). Its incredible to think of all the things we take for granted today that didn't exist when my dad was born.
I'm typing this blog - not only was there no internet when he was born, there weren't even any computers.
I'm also watching TV and enjoying the airconditioning on this hot, muggy evening - neither of which were available to him.
I know that his family had a telephone because as a young boy, he happened to take the call that told him his mother had died in the hospital after giving birth to his youngest brother. Dad was raised by his older sisters, and although his father eventually remarried, I don't think he and his stepmother got along well. In fact, I only remember visiting my dads family maybe a dozen times growing up, and its only been since my mother died that he reconnected with his siblings and he's developed a close relationship with his remaining sister.
Dad didn't have an easy life - he contracted polio as a child, and it took surgery to enable him to walk again....and even that couldn't give him the ability to run or jump like other children. Perhaps thats one of the reasons he was so determined to excel academically....he was the only one of his family to go on to college.
Polio is a nasty disease in that it often comes back to trouble its victims many years afterwards. Post Polio Syndrome can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and balance issues, and Dad has them all. He's housebound these days as he can't manage steps, nor drive, and spends most of his time in a wheelchair. Even so, he lives alone and manages quite well.
And I think thats the thing I admire most about him...his willingness to continue to learn and his ability to adapt to whatever life throws at him. Dad has taught himself to be computer literate - he is as likely to send me an email as to call me on the phone - and although he doesn't feel comfortable interacting with others on Facebook or similar sites, he spends a lot of time reading online newspapers and other information sources. When I come to visit, the TV is always on; generally set to a science, history, or news channel. He does love his baseball, but when a game in on, he's often multitasking by working a NYT or WP crossword puzzle at the same time.
So Happy Birthday Dad...thanks for being a great example of growing older....and may you keep on keeping on for a very long time to come.
Someone please assure me that