Friday, May 8, 2009

Milt

My Grandpa D turned 95 yesterday. I still remember 15 years ago when we were celebrating his 80th birthday. It was a big deal. Cultural hall reserved and full for the afternoon. Old photos of Milt in his cowboy boots, army uniform, wedding suit. Long line of well-wishers. My Grandma Norma standing by his side in her best pearls and matching clip on earrings. Grandpa has outlived her by 13 years so far. I miss her.

I called yesterday to wish him happy birthday. Aunt Sue answered, we caught up. Where are you guys living now? How was the wedding? That's nice. That's nice. I hear grandpa being directed into his office where he can take my call. Aunt Sue reminds me to speak up.

"Well hullo?"
Hi Grandpa! Happy Birthday!
"Hullo? Is someone there?"
HI GRANDPA! THIS IS KARA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
"Who's this?"
IT'S KARA! (I'm hoping he remembers which one I am.)
"Oh! Well...Kara. Jim's daughter! (whew) Well, where are you living now?"
CONNECTICUT!
"Oh, Connecticut! Are you working out there? Did you finish school?"
YES GRANDPA WE ARE WORKING OUT HERE I DID FINISH SCHOOL!
"Well, are you married?"
(Brief flashback of grandpa dancing with me on my wedding day.)
YES GRANDPA, I'M MARRIED!
"Oh, well, any kids?"
NO, NOT YET. HOW IS YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY GOING?
"Well, I'm turning 95 today, and I guessed everyone remembered. It's nice to be remembered on your birthday. Now, where are you living?"
CONNECTICUT GRANDPA!
"Are you married?"
YES GRANDPA! I'VE BEEN MARRIED FOUR YEARS!
"Well, is your husband going to school?"
NOT RIGHT NOW, HE IS WORKING!
"Now, remind me who this is so I know who I am talking to for sure."
THIS IS KARA!
"Oh, that's right. Now, are you married? Are you going to school?"
NO, I FINISHED SCHOOL GRANDPA. BUT I LOVE YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
"Well, there are a bunch of your relatives over here today because it's my birthday. Now where are you living..."



Oh Grandpa. I love you.

95 years old and still as active as ever. There are many, many life lessons I have taken and am still taking from your life. Productive, fulfilled, seizing every opportunity and recording every moment. (Can't wait to get a peak at ALL those journals some day.)

Happy Birthday Grandpa D!

4 comments:

David and Brooke Gallagher said...

Best wishes to your Grandpa! Happy Birthday, may have a wonderful and blessed year!

Stephanie said...

I live for your new blog posts! You are so funny. Funny doesn't even cut it. You're hillarious. I'm planning on writing a book in a few years. Will you be my editor?

Hamblin Family said...

That is too funny! It sounded about like Scott's conversation with his Grandma on Mother's Day.

The Colbys... written by Erin said...

Kara!! Oh my gosh... I've neglected you!! I've been so caught up in my own life that I realized i haven't been in touch!! Any chance you still want to run the 1/2 marathon in Brooklyn on the 30th?? Oh man!! i should've gotten in contact with you sooner! Sorry lady! Love ya!