Chapter Eighty Eight.

When gathering of family consist of your kiddo's, their kiddo's and of course, their kiddo's. 

A rally of an email sent to potluck the goods. 

The same food, yet a different year.  

The same family members, just a few years older now. 

The kids that were once babies, are trying new things. Go Cooper!

 

Blending the same recipes that were once shared by Shirley.  Making her taco's, to carry on the tradition.

It makes me wonder as I look at these pictures.  What does he really feel?  For the amount of time I've known Gaylord, he's been a man full of words. Full of stories.  Full of life, and full of good times. He's much quieter now. For reasons we can only compassionately understand.
He'd share a cocktail to get the party started, and most always left those around him full of laughter from his witty smirks.

His chapters are full.  His eyes tell the story.  The family that surrounds him can tell a bigger story. 

It makes me wonder while viewing this picture.  What are his thoughts.  What does he feel.  This month marks one year that he said good-bye to his wife.  As we stood there singing such an impressionable song to him, how much worth does it feel?  How much happiness is left in his tired body.  It sure changes my perspective singing such a beautiful song to someone that has walked this Earth for eighty eight years.

I've learned a thing or two about Gaylord through the years. Bill's childhood, his sisters' childhood.  Their stories. The memories.  Good, bad, and in different. Their lives were full. All because of this fine man.  One of the things I've learned is he loves to be around people.  He loves a good time.  

It's becoming increasingly more apparent that his time spent at home, in his favorite cozy chair, with his favorite care takers are what keep him content.  He's happy nibbling on small doses of food, or fruit.  He loves his little outings to "Norms".  He still looks after his lime trees out front, and most certainly knows a thing or two about life. 

The reality here is we have the chance to talk with him, sing to him.  Make a plate for him, even if he complains or says for the tenth time he isn't hungry. He's here.  And even if we show just the silver lining in things.  The happier moments with him.  He's here.  And he's eighty eight, players. 

Happy Birthday Gaylord- The finest, craftiest, wittiest man I know. 

Lisa, the girl that he often smiles at, yet refers to as "her"- ha.

He knows "her" will cook, clean, scrub and do whatever he asks, and if that's my only service, I am more than happy to oblige. Cheers Gaylord!  You are a fine fine young man.

Happy Tuesday players.  Hope this day is good for you. If not, well, you just might be lucky enough to wake up and start it all over again tomorrow.  Just remember, some aren't given that chance.

Lisa Lynn