That's what Tom says about turning 60 this day. He painted the bookcases in our study. He's on the tractor hauling wood to the terrace just now. We are invited to Margaret and Matthew's for a birthday supper later on. One sister gave him a huge bunch of birthday balloons, and the other gave him sixty crisp new one-dollar bills. Both his parents are still alive, as well as his step-father, and he's been in touch with each of them this week. Michael's text was 'Happy Birthday Daddy-O' while Margaret's was the Olive Garden Happy Birthday chant which everyone in this family has taken as their own.
Here's a picture of Tom and Matt yesterday bringing a table which had been stored in our cellar, and a workbench down to the new house. It belonged to Tom's great-grandfather, and now he has given it to Matt.
Tom is a man who has the gift of living each day without thinking much about the one before or the one to come. He is a contented man.
Even if for him today is just another day, I want to say "Happy Birthday, Tom!". Especially since my husband died so unexpectedly and way too early, only a few days after his 41st birthday, I feel birthdays are not just another day, but an achievement - another full year of being alive, which is not to be taken for granted.
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh, I hope I didn't make it seem like he was taking this day for granted. Not at all! It was more that he isn't freaking out at being so 'old.' He doesn't live his life by the numbers. Sorry if confusing. And again, I am so very sad for you, and for your late husband.
ReplyDeleteHow could anyone wish for more than to be contented? Happy birthday to Tom and long may the contentment continue.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Tom... and best wishes for many more!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, Nan, your post did not make it appear as if Tom was taking it for granted, I was just adding my personal thoughts on the general matter of birthdays. And now, more than a year after Steve's death, I have adapted to the situation very well, with bouts of sadness being rare now and far between.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your Tom! What a great state of mind - contentment.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Tom...I like the way he views life!!!
ReplyDeleteNan - pass on a Happy Birthday.
ReplyDeleteWait until you both hit the "70" mark. I wonder how I arrived at this :) I sure don't feel old. How am I suppose to feel?
Happy Birthday Tom, how happy you must be Nan (and lucky) to have such a contented husband.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your Tom!
ReplyDeleteHappy b-lated b-day to Tom, who has the right attitude about being a year older -- and about living life to the fullest -- , as I know you do as well.
ReplyDeleteA very happy birthday to Tom! Those are two handsome men tractoring through the snow with that lovely little table. What a wonderful thing to say that "I am contented". It's a rare quality.
ReplyDeleteNan,
ReplyDeleteWhat a tribute to your dear hubby Tom...living each day to the fullest without thinking of yesterday or tomorrow...perfect recipe for contentment. Love what you shared...please wish him a very special birthday from Ontario!
Joanne
P,S. My hubby would say the same thing as Tom and has never wanted any fuss for his birthday:)
Tom is a man who has the gift of living each day without thinking much about the one before or the one to come. He is a contented man.
ReplyDeleteAnd THAT is the greatest gift one could ask for or give. Happy Birthday to your Tom. :-)
Many happy returns Tom!
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Birthday Tom.
ReplyDeleteNan, DEC 5 is my DB's birthday too. Isn't that a coincidence. He was 66 yesterday. We celebrated with friends Friday and Saturday then on the big day we went birding and watched football which was his favorite thing to do.
A belated Happy Birthday Tom. It's so good to hear of your contented life.
ReplyDeleteCarole
Happy belayed birthday to Tom from me too - what a lovely picture!
ReplyDeleteYou could not have more aptly described my husband...he is still 4 years away from 60, not that it will bother him at bit....
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your Tom!
blessings,
Niki
Nan, happy belated birthday to your Tom!
ReplyDeleteA belated happy birthday to Tom.
ReplyDeleteI join him in not putting 'too much stock' into numbers. Every day we are able to get out of bed, down the stairs, and make it to our first cup of coffee is a good day for us and we are happy to still be here.
How can I thank you all for your dear notes? Tom is so very appreciative. What wonderful readers I have! Thanks again. He had such a nice day.
ReplyDelete