Seventy-Two

One of my favorites of Daddy with our girls.

My little daddy, one of the most honest, humble men that I know, is 72 today! He isn't really little, it's just what I call him. I always have. He's starting to forget all sorts of things, important things, but he never forgets a face. He once saw a lady drop a one hundred dollar bill while she was buying lottery tickets at a local convenience store. He tried to catch up with her, but was unable to as she walked out the door.

He tucked the money into his pocket, where it stayed for an entire year. I rationalized that he'd probably never see her again, she would only buy more lottery tickets if she had it, and that it was an unexpected blessing for him. As in, go ahead, spend it already! He wouldn't hear of it!

Every time he was in that same store, he looked for her. And one day, as he'd assured me she would, she walked in. He asked if she remembered dropping something a year before, in the very spot they were standing. She said, "Yes", and that it was $100.

With a sweet smile, he handed her the money. She gave him a polite thanks and went on her way. What? No hugging his neck off, squealing loudly, or thanking him profusely? No. Just a simple, "Thank You". To him, it was more than enough. He didn't do the right thing for any recognition at all. Honesty was his only motive. I love that about him.

Were there times during that year that he could have used the money to buy groceries or pay a bill? Countless! But he would have rather gone hungry or cold. I love that about him, too.

So, today we'll celebrate the sweet, simple man that he is. There will be no lavish party or fanfare. He wouldn't have it. Instead, today will be filled with his harmonica tunes, supper at "that little chicken place" as he calls Chick-Fil-A, a jar of mixed nuts he won't have to share, and our weekly Aldi trip to stock his pantry.  We'll top it all off with a slice of homemade coconut cake. That's it, and to him, it will be more than enough. And as he plays, "Get Along Home, Sydney" by sliding his lips up and down the ticklish metal of his harmonica, we'll give thanks for another year, another memory, and another example of what humility and honesty look like. Happy Birthday, Daddy!