Happy Birthday Dad!

My dad turned 80 years old two weeks ago. Eighty.  Wow, I remember when he turned 50 and mom threw him a big surprise party (they were still married at the time).  I remember thinking that he was so old back than.  And here I am now, 53 feeling anything but old.  Life has a sarcastic sense of humor.

My brothers and my sister and I had threw him a party to end all parties.  I mean, from the succulent dinner that my sister-in-law spent all day cooking, to the full stocked bar (oh we drink in my family!) and the music for dancing...  Suffice it to say, he was very happy to have all of his kids, the grandkids, family and close friends together.  We partied like it was 1999 -for real y'all!  The party shut down right before sunrise.  As the party went on, I couldn't help but reflect on my dad.  The first man I ever loved.  He is not perfect and has made mistakes along his journey.  Our relationship is a very complicated one.  We've had our issues.  But he's my dad and I love him, faults and all.  If you're fortunate enough to still have your parents in your life, tell them you love them, often.  Laugh with them.  I promise it's totally worth it.

Life is good and then it's bad, and then it's good again.  I take my time now with my aging parents.  I try not to rush whatever it is we are dong at the time.  It's almost as if I am inhaling, savoring each and every second of my time with them.  Ever since my mom's stroke back in September, I've taken this approach to life and it works for me.  Hopefully, for you as well.

Now, everyone knows that the centerpiece, the main attraction of a birthday party is THE CAKE right?  Oh come on, you know it's true.  Well, turning 80 years old is an incredible milestone so I found it only fitting to get my daddy an impeccable cake.  This cake had "Nicaraguan Frank Sinatra" written all over it.  That's his nickname since I can't even remember when.  All his friends and family named him that because he loves to sing and because my dad could (still can) charm the hell out of anyone.  He's very debonair.  So I chose this cake for him because it represented everything I just described. And yes, it was delicious!   Check it out ↓