Calling all creative YTalkers!! Please help!
 

Ok!!! So, MY incredibly wonderful father is turning 80 yrs old in a couple of weeks. I wanted to surprise him with something special.
He has Parkinsons and his memory is really fading.
Up to a couple of years ago he was able to have a veggie garden and sometimes still cuts the grass. However, during the winter he always gets pneumonia and is miserable. I am flying him to Tampa to spend some time with me in March but wanted to have something special for him on his bday.

I called his wife and asked if I could fill the space that is no longer used as a garden with 80 daylilies, So, when he looked out he could know how much we love him. Also, he wouldnt feel the void of the missing garden.
She wasnt too keen on the idea and said grass had now covered the area..and who would tend to the weeds...etc??? good point.

Anyone have any great ideas? My husband said 80 tall blondes..:eek: lol (j/k) but I would like my dad around as long as possible!!!:D

He used to fish, but now is unable. He cant drive anymore or ride long distances. He fatigues easily.
This is such a huge milestone considering all of his previous health issues.
I hope you guys have some great ideas.~~
Thanks, my friends

Lisa

You should put together one of those pictures books on shutterfly... you could fill it with pictures of you and him from birth on and maybe even create a story or just put a little bit on info under each picture. Also, you could create a book of pictures from his life and see if his wife will send you any pictures she can find?

I created a photo calendar for my dad's b-day. lol. I think he would cherish a photo book and it would help him so that he won't forget the past. :D

That is a great idea. I did one of these for my wedding!
His first great grandchild was born last week. I could put that in there too!!
I am not so sure how helpful his wife would be.:rolleyes:

A friend's hubby recently turned 50. She contacted their friends via mail and ask for them to write a memory down and included self addressed stamped envelopes. I thought that was a very inventive idea.

If his remaining friends aren't capable to writing something down, perhaps they could dictate it to you?

Easier still...I'm sure YOU have alot of dad memories...maybe you could write those down for him. Or you could add the memory that the pictures suggested above.

I know the daylilly idea was shot down...but I just wanted to say...I have flowerbeds filled with them and the weeding is nil. They come up in the spring and last until late fall. With the foilage if there are weeds...they are really difficult to see.

I was thinking the same thing about weeds in daylillies..maybe i will still pursue that toooooooo!!

One year for Christmas we bought a bright red "g" string for Ron's grandmother who was in her late 70's or early 80's at the time. She had everything she wanted or needed, so we gave her the best gift we could -- laughter. She laughed so hard that we were hurting especially when she put the "g" string on her head and modeled her new "hat". Everyone that visited her for months saw her "hat". Of course she KNEW what it was but was having way too much fun sharing laughter.

So, we gave her laughter.

that is funny!

See I know how creative you guys are!!!!