I never thought it strange, growing up, that my father did everything for all seven of us kids. He was the one who took us to the doctor and dentist. He was the one who went to "Back to School" night and teacher conferences. He worked a full time job but when he walked in the door at night my mother would hand him the youngest child and he just took over. He cooked for us and helped us with our homework.
My mother never once in her lifetime took a vacation or even an overnight trip somewhere. She slept in her own bed every night. Whatever she couldn't or wouldn't do, dad did -- and I never remember him missing a day of work. Every morning I would awaken to the sound of my dad whistling. He was always happy.
Dad bought us our first dog - a little Beagle that he brought home to us on the El and two buses in a little cardboard box. The only time I remember Dad not being around was - NEVER!! He was, and still is, always there.
Dad's getting older now
but he still walks several miles a day, volunteers Monday through Friday feeding the underprivileged at his Church's soup kitchen, and belongs to all sorts of things that are interesting to him. We lost Mom 10 years ago, but Dad carries on with hardly an ache to show for it.
I am very lucky to have had with such a wonderful father. Happy 90th Birthday Dad. And many more. I love you.
Attached: Dad being greeted at his 90th Birthday Party by just a few of his 38 Great-Grandchildren.