Life takes a 180, for a rare few

I suspect most of us are familiar with the expression of things taking a 180 degree turn. Generally, this refers to a complete reversal of direction from the one that currently is being taken. However, in the case of some aging parents, and one in particular, May 13th marks the completion of the 180.

My Mother is presently 91 years young, and maintains her youthful enthusiasm for life, albeit slower. Equally, my Father still does his crossword puzzles, reads, and remains engaged, even though his physical appearance has him looking older. But what really separates them from their counterparts now, is their combined age of 181.

Born at the family home in Calmar, Iowa on May 13th, 1920, my father, of course, had no idea where his life was going to take him. However, because of 2 determined parents and some God given gifts, he went from that nearly one room school house to Iowa, Iowa State, Ohio State and eventually to Boston University. As my Mother always said, "your father was the first Forestry student from Iowa State ever to go to medical school". Just like in the movie, "Field of Dreams", I am absolutely sure that his patients were glad he did, rather than pursue a career in Forestry or Baseball.

His field of dreams became Medicine and his family, and in no certain order. Although he always seemed busy when we were kids, I never felt as though he wasn't there for us. Only once do I ever remember him saying that he wished he had attended more of my older sister's sporting events. He was a president of our Little League and founded the "minor league" in our town just so that more kids could play baseball at a younger age. He fought for the community's youth because he knew they were worth the investment of time and energy. He headed up the town's Health Department and gave talks on fluoridation and gave the polio vaccine when it became available, all in an effort to make a difference to young people. Yes. He had his own field of dreams. However, he also was given a gift, and he shared that with his family, friends, patients, and community.

Now that he is celebrating his 90th birthday, he and my Mother share a combined 181 years of wisdom and grace. It is for that reason that I would like to see them both take that 180, an about face, and start "aging down". That might insure all of us, their family and friends, that we would have them for many more years to come. Happy Birthday Dad and thanks. You have given all of us the gift that keeps on giving, your love, a priceless gift indeed!