Happy Birthday Dad!

How many people do you know who are turning sixty and seem to be excited about it? Well, today's my Dad's 60th birthday and his attitude is impressive. He says things like, "Well, consider the alternative!" and "That's young! I'm planning on living to 100."

My dad almost didn't live this long. A few years ago he got sick. And kept getting sicker. We didn't know what was wrong, for such a long time, and the doctors kept missing it too. After a scary turn of events that kept getting scarier, he was diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis. Which none of us had ever heard of. Seems we all have a protective little sac around our hearts called a pericardium. But sometimes, say after a bout of bronchitis or such, the pericardium can become affected. His did. And it started to calcify. Eventually the pericardium that was supposed to protect my Daddy's heart had turned into a little cage...a hard shell. Which had to be chipped away in surgery. Considering - again - the risks now, I feel especially lucky to have my Dad.

So over the years since he made it through that scary time, and the recuperation that followed, my Dad has started experiencing life differently than before. He sees, now more than ever, the Huge Gift that his life is...that our lives are...and he's taking full advantage. You can read about his Very Big Deal hike to the top of Table Rock State Park last month, at his new blog, Auxanomen.

Meanwhile, I want to say I love you to my Dad, and that I'm really, really glad he's "only" 60 now. I hope it's the best birthday ever! 

Comments

[Nancy from Georgia]

How nice your dad got to be 60!
My best friend will be 60 also this month, and she has been my friend for 50 years.
My dad died when he was 60 years old and it took many years to be able to talk about him without crying. I know realize he is waiting for me someday in the future.
Does that make sense? Sorry if it seems weird....

[Dad]

Thank You!, Melody for your remarks! It is great--It is wonderful--to be alive at 60. Nancy in Georgia, you have my sympathy regarding your father's death and your grief. I am with families of the dying every week, and even though we may know where they are going, there is still a terrible sense of loss for those who remain.

Melody said that I make remarks like, "I am living to be 100." I am not denying my mortality. Rather, I am declaring my outlook on life. If I say,"There is little that I can do now. I am so close to retirement, and after that...," I won't be able to plan for future achievements. Instead, I want to live life to the fullest, and when it does come to an end, I will know I have done my best on earth. And, it may take me another 40 years to do what I want to do! If I don't make it to 100? I won't lose, because I have faith that I will enter eternity with my Lord Jesus Christ, who has done so much for me.

Melody posted my web site. I invite anyone who is interested to visit it. It is new, and I haven't begun to promote it much, but, Melody, thanks for the blurb!

Love to all,

Don Watson, Melody's Dad (she's a great girl)!

[Don/Dad]

Oh, yes--let me say that "constrictive pericarditis" is a rare condition. Although there are several possible causes, very few people actually get it. I have talked with two other people who have had it and have had the surgery, called "pericariectomy." One of them was here in South Carolina, the other lives in the midwest. And they were enjoying life just as I am. So if anyone gets a respiratory (or other) infection there is not an imminent danger of constrictive pericarditis. I sometimes talk with nurses who have never heard of the condition!

Dad/Don

[Melody]

Hi Nancy, yes. I think what you said does make sense. I'm sorry about the loss of your father. How wonderful to have a friend for 50 years! Quite a feat and something to be proud of.

Daddy, thanks for pointing out that anyoldbody isn't likely to just "catch" pericarditis from a respiratory infection, or otherwise. I wouldn't want to go scaring people!

;) You called me a great girl! Tee hee. Love you!

[Stevii]

It is wonderful that your dad has such a wonderful outlook on life. My pastor always says that your words create your environment.