Gearing up for Birthdays

Next week at this time, the friends and family of Richard will gather to honor his 80th birthday.  It seems hard to imagine that he's reached this age, as at least to me (Martha the blog editor), well...it feels like we just finished wishing my Grandma Irene a happy 90th.  Nope...that was a few years ago.

In fact, cleaning out some stuff in the basement, I found a letter that Richard had written to Irene in honor of her 90th birthday.  It is dated July 7, 1996.   Her birthday would have been later in August of that same year.
I'll include the text below....but it was clearly done on a type writer.  No word processor and certainly not done via email.  Yes, the times do indeed change....whether we are ready for them or not.
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July 7, 1996
Dear Irene:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Congratulation on nine decades.

There are so many fond memories.  Your first airplane ride was a visit to Tuscon.  We painted your house a couple times.  Your garden was always so productive.  Your roses bloomed seemingly without care.  Uncle Phil's sudden death and the aftermath cast you in a role you had not anticipated but you handled it with grace and joyful generosity.  You knit something for everyone-all the time-and I have two boxes of children wear you knit for the foxy girls which I still have and will pass on to the great grandchildren maybe.

Laura and Martha modeling some of the Irene knitting works

Food, wonderful food!  There was always food in abundance and of high quality.  You prepared all the food for our wedding reception.  You always put a "cover" (cookies) on the breakfast table.  It is dangerous to think about what is best because everything is always good.  I remember baked pies and of course ice cream in at least three flavors.  Time was a factor.  You wanted to know when we were leaving and then another eal would appear. I remember finishing breakfast at 9 am and having lunch before leaving at 11.  Portions were more than generous because you didn't want to have all the leftovers.

My wish is for you to remain health and live independently for many more years.
Sincerely
Your son-in-law, the doctor.
Richard

Editors Note:  Irene would remain living in her own home on Birdsall for a few more years, before moving to a nursing home.  She would pass away December 21, 2002, at the age of 96 years old.

Irene with her great grandson Greg, circa ?1999