Thankful thoughts for week eight on a very special day

December 12th is a very special day in my life for two very good reasons.

In 1921 my dad was born on this day. If you are doing your math correctly you know that means that today we celebrated his 89th birthday! He grew up very poor and went into the Army as a young man. While serving our country and stationed in Alaska, he contracted Spinal Meningitis and almost died in the hospital up there. Fortunately they were able to obtain some penicillin and after a time, he eventually recovered. He always worked hard to make a good life for our family. First as a meter reader for the gas company and then as a letter carrier for the post office. He worked outside in the hottest weather and coldest too. At the age of 50, he had his first double hip replacements and eventually had over 13 hip surgeries, some minor, some not so much until one side was so scarred that the surgeons took his joint out, sewed him up and he has lived with that disability for many years now. He has other health issues and at 89 his body is slowing down and making it harder for him to live the life he’d like to, but his mind is as sharp as ever. I am so thankful for the sacrifices he made to give us a good life and to give me the college education that he never had. I am especially thankful we still have him with us and he has lived long enough to see my first grandchild. Happy Birthday Dad!!

In 1952, Mr. Red Door was born on this day as well. He has worked very hard to always provide for his family as well. Even with a college degree he started working in coal fueled boilers the size of large buildings learning the trade. Because of his cool head and work ethic he worked his way up the ladder to an office position in a short time. When we were first married he went back to college at night to do his graduate work and at the time was the youngest ever graduate of the prestigious WPI School of Industrial Management. That too further helped him advance his career all so he could provide well for us. Although we are not rich by any means, he has always been a conservative spender and I am so thankful he taught me the value of saving – it has served us very well in this economy! More importantly he has always supported me in whatever I do and he is a wonderful father and awesome Bampee and a wonderful son and son in law as well. He never hesitates to help my parents with anything they need. I am so thankful he is my husband! Happy Birthday David, you are the best man I know!

I am thankful that all the rain we are getting is not snow so that my family could come here this afternoon to celebrate these two wonderful men! I am thankful we are not expected to get any significant snow from the storms that are moving east.

I am thankful no one was hurt when the Metrodome collapsed under the weight of snow.

I am thankful we have had good weather so far making it easier to get the Christmas errands done and making it safer to get Lili on the days we watch her.

I am thankful Lili’s double ear infections are going away and she is back to her energetic cheerful self!

And what would a post be without a little prim eye candy. I am thankful I was able to spend an afternoon with my my friend Laurie in CT on Friday. She took me to two great spots and I found these treasures.

I found basket and pewter teapot at one and the bowl at the other. I am not sure is they will stay in the same places after Christmas, but they are at home for now!

Thank YOU for stopping by and for all the new followers and peeps and friends of my Behind My Red Door. Your comments make me smile and I so appreciate them all.

With the bad storms in the Midwest and heading east, I hope each of you stay safe and warm!!

Until next time – prim hugs, Grammee Linda