The picture above is how I always want to remember my father. Visiting my house for a party when he was still well enough to get around. Today would have been his 89th birthday, though he died many years ago. Unfortunately he essentially smoked himself to death, the nicotine addiction a challenge ge was never able to defeat. In his last years COPD ravaged him until he was overcome by it. It occurs to me on this anniversary that I could have never pictured him at this age which saddens me.

How did this handsome man (showing me off in a fireplace log hauler) deteriorate so quickly and completely? I would love to have him around today on his 89th birthday to chat with and celebrate. Alas, not to be.