Gray Squirrel

June 4th is a big day most years, but it is an especially big day this year. My Pop (affectionately nicknamed "Squirrel" once upon a time) hits his 61st birthday, and it's a big fat hairy deal!
(Umm....just to clarify: the "big fat hairy deal" describes the birthday, not my dad. I could really get myself in trouble here).

As all 14 of our faithful readers probably know, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma a few months before his 60th birthday, and the oncologist told us he'd have 6-12 months to live. In a true show of Go-Big-or-Go-Home spirit, he retired the next day, bought a 5th-wheel, and hit the road. By the time SoundGuy and I caught up with him to celebrate the big 6-0 he'd made it clear to Alaska!
We had an amazing week together , making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As the months have worn on, life has been good to Pop and he remains symptom-free 15 months after diagnosis! He even survived Mardi Gras! Quite a testament to the value of eliminating stress from your life (or the medicinal quality of Jack Daniels?)

While a 61st birthday was something we hoped and prayed for, I think we were all preparing ourselves for the possibility that it might not come. To hear my Pop's happy voice on the other end of the phone today will be a precious gift, even if he is ornery as ever.

Unfortunately, we won't be able to be with Pop to celebrate today. That will have to be postponed to this summer's camping trip. Somebody should probably call the Rangers at Yellowstone to warn them... When it comes to birthday parties, we mean business!
Happy Birthday, Pop!! Here's to another year watching the man who taught me to "kick butt, and take names" beating the odds. Please behave yourself. I'd hate to have to raid the wedding fund for bail money.