Dad,
Sorry that I can't be with you as you celebrate your 90th.
Actually, come to think of it, I haven't been with you on your
birthday much (if any time at all) the last 40 years. The 20 years
before that, I think I did a little better!
Living 90 years is, without a doubt, a
noteworthy achievement that few achieve. However for some of us, the
'being a dad for 60 years' is likely the accomplishment that we
appreciate most.
Being (or becoming) a good father is
likely one of the hightest priorities in my life at the moment – and
through the enormous grey-zones of less than obvious answers, to
countless important questions that no one even asks – I find myself
turning to a fundemental principle that seemed important to you back
when you were growing up. ”Trust the convictions so beautifully
placed within you, and be willing to stand for them, and for what is
true and honourable, even if you must do it alone. If I should get
to be 90, and if there is just one thing that my children remember
as a heritage important to me, this is also what I hope it will be.
Christian teaching is that social
understanding and sincere respect for the folks we live amongst (our
'neighbor') was ultimate in importance for fundimental moral
integrety. The day-to-day will and capacity to express simple,
genuine interest and share a smile (or a tear) without the
destructive burden of a personal agenda to fullfil, is also a
wonderful legacy that you pass on to us Dad.
Seems that our society today is quite
filled with an unceasing sales pitch of 'we know best folks' with
many impressive ideas and doctrines (and efforts to influence and
change) – Dad, this basic simple interest and admiration for the
ordinary folks arround you, 'for what they are, and as they are' as
you go up and down your hallways, is what I wish for my children.
There are few other attitudes that have equal means to fill each day
with wholesome life.
Congratulations on your 90th
– We are thinking of you today, and wishing you and mom, all the
very best.
Your son,
Edgar and Mireille – Nona(6),
Eleanore(9), Alfons(12), Ellen(14), Rebecka(15), Oscar(17),
Michaela(19) and Emma(24)
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