The December 5th Curse?

If you believe my Mom,  who in the same breath says she's not superstitious,  December 5th is a day my Dad dreads, for fear of his own mortality.  His Mother and Grandfather died on that day in different years,  as did some other family members that may or may not be phantoms created to prop up the tale.

Now, in 50 years,  I *can* remember my Dad expressing his dislike of the day once or twice, and stating he did,  indeed,  have greater concern for his own health when that date pops up. To me,  that seems like a reasonable reaction to the anniversary of a loved one's death,  much less two or more,  and he just enjoys adding a twinge of mystique and drama to the retelling - he's my father after all. 

But you never know.

Happy Birthday Grandpa

Happy birthday grandpa 👴🏻 - LuLu

Pop

 My Dad in a Dr's waiting room (pic by my sister K). 

My Dad's Phu Cat

The shirt I ordered for my Father for Christmas arrived today. It honors his service in the USAF during the Vietnam War, when he was stationed at Phu Cat from 1968 to 1969.

Happy Birthday Pop!

My Pop turns 72 years old today

 Prayers for my father in law, news of a fall and ambulance on its way. Details sketchy right now - Lisa.

A Sad Anniversary for my Dad

Today's the anniversary of the death of both of my Dad's Grandpa's,  and his Mother (each in different years.) As a result he gets awfully anxious about his own health around this time. I offered to take him to lunch (he refused) but I called and checked up on him all the same.

Brewers - Diamondbacks with my Pop

And on the 10th anniversary of Ryan Braun's MLB debut, too!

Brewers - Diamondbacks with my Pop pt 2

As games go, it was a dud yesterday, a lackluster 4-0 loss. For my Dad, who tries to see a game a month, it's an unbroken string of losses dating back years. Still, it was a good time. 

As we were leaving he had a lot of trouble getting to his feet. "When did you get so old Dad?" I asked, not unkindly. "I asked myself the same question last week," he said. 

Later, getting mushy and unmanly, I thanked him for all he's done for me over the years. 

"I could have done better, " he said. 

 "You did fine Pop," I replied.

A String of Bad Luck

In the last few days the furnace motor has broken, my car broke down and went into the shop, my cell phone screen cracked, and my father went to the hospital.

Bob Hope at Phu Cat

These are pictures of Bob Hope performing at Phu Cat Airbase in 1968. My Dad was in the audience, but these aren't his pictures; his Vietnam photo album is MIA in their apartment.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy 70th Birthday Pop!

My Dad and I travel to Chicago to see a White Sox game

On a rainy Chicago day in 2003 - back when I still had all my hair - my Dad and I drove down from Milwaukee to catch a Yankees game at U.S. Cellular field. 

Happy Father's Day Pop!

Happy Father's Day Pop! I love you!

BP

I haven't watched batting practice in probably thirty years. My Dad used to take us to the ballpark early to watch it, but I've never done it on my own. Huh. Haven't thought about that in decades.

Tutoring

 My Dad tutoring YaYa at Zablocki library for her algebra final. He must be doing something right, as a stranger just came up and asked him for advice.

Fact

My Dad wore the same Eddie the Eagle T-shirt for (seriously) twenty years.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 45th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Christmas Eve at my Parent's

Christmas Eve with my Parents

An Update on my Dad

Just before ten last night I spoke to my Dad. His heartbeat is still slow, but they haven't determined a cause. Dad mentioned the collapse might have been because of his blood pressure meds, but I'm not sure if that's coming from the doctors or his own thoughts on the matter. Anyway, he was in good spirits and after they implant a heart monitor under his skin today, he may be sent home Thursday. :)