Today, December 26th, is my dad’s birthday, a day that holds both joyful and bittersweet memories for our family. Born in 1907, he witnessed a rapidly changing world until he moved on in 1985. Celebrating his birthday the day after Christmas often meant that his special day was intertwined with the holiday festivities; he would receive a combination present of birthday and Christmas gifts, which sometimes felt like a double-edged sword. I wonder if that arrangement bothered him on some level, yet he brought it up often, sharing stories of how he tried to carve out his identity amidst the holiday cheer. Despite the potential overshadowing of his birthday by Christmas celebrations, he always managed to find joy in the season, ensuring that those around him felt the warmth and happiness that came with the holidays. His unique birthday has left a lasting impression on me, reminding me each year of the importance of celebrating not only special occasions but the individuality that each person brings to those moments.

Happy Birthday Dad, thank you for everything you did for me and I love you!