53

So, today is February 18, 2007. I probably shouldn't do this, but today my Dad is 53. Three years ago, my Brother was getting married on the 21st. So, I was flying in to go to his wedding, and I had told my Dad that I wouldn't be there till just before the wedding, trying to surprise him for his birthday.

I flew in under the cover of darkness on the 17th. Hung out at my brother's house and chilled out for a day. On the 18th, my brother set up a time to meet my Dad at the Wooden Chicken Pub. (The Chicken is an icon in Portland, I'll dig into this one, some other day.) So, Greg tells my Dad that they'll just meet up and hang out and have a few drinks with my Uncle Tom (Dad's older Brother) and hang out. So, Uncle Tom, and Greg and I get to the Chicken and hang out before Dad get's there. Uncle Tom was a bit taken aback that I showed up and that was pretty cool, too. So, we see my Dad's Van roll up and I take off to the other side of the Pub, near where they are throwing darts. Dad walks in, sits down with the guys and I walk up and surprise my Dad. Cool moment. He was pretty happy. I hadn't been home in a couple of years at that point and it was good to see my Dad. I think he was just happy to have his two boys and his brother there and hang out and have a few drinks. Needless to say, it was a good time, and a great way to celebrate his 50th birthday. Today, I can't really do that. Nor can my brother and my uncle Tom. However, today is the Daytona 500, and my Dad loves racing. So, I'm sure he'll be watching that, and I'm not sure what Greg will do, and Uncle Tom will also be watching the Race. So, I'm not a big fan of racing, but I'm gonna watch it, cause I know my Dad will be. Every birthday I have, my Dad calls and says that he's holding a beer up, in my direction and having a drink to celebrate me. Well, pop, today, I'm gonna hold up a beer and celebrate you. I miss ya, Dad, and love you. Happy Birthday.

Mark