Tuesday, July 7, 2009

56TH

Today is my 56th birthday. I don't even know how old that is. I feel a lot younger. I went for a run after having a morning practice with my soccer team. I have trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that I'm that old.

The worst part is that my dad always called me and wished me a happy birthday. That didn't happen today. I was sleeping this morning and suddenly it felt like someone touched me on the shoulder and I woke up. No one was in the house but me and the cats.

I think my dad told me happy birthday. I've always believed in angels after a major injury while I was a police officer that nearly claimed my life. I remember my dad had a hard time getting over that. Almost as hard as me goining to Vietnam. Now I know my dad is an angel and that's cool. You may think I'm nuts, but that's what I believe.

I called my mom and we cried about the fact that dad visited me. We are both convinced that the way he worried about his kids, especially me, he is still definitely looking out for me and his famiy. Through Vietnam and the police he never stopped worrying. When I retired he took a deep breath. When he touched me today, I took a deep breath. My mom his happy he is still in her life. Me too.

I'm listening to a new Van Morrison album, "Still on Top" and enjoying myself. I also got the movie Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood. My dad loved him. That was an awesome movie. I also got books. I'll write separately about one of them later.

I think I'm still on top.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!!!!

I think it's awesome that you have a soccer team, it keeps you young.

I don't think you are nuts at all. I think it's very touching.

Have fun today and remember you are only as young as you feel, and that's a great thing in your case because you feel young!!!!

Bloviating Zeppelin said...

I look at it this way, LOT: you received a blessing.

My father passed away on February 11th of this year. The morning after his passing I woke up and remembered a dream where Carole King was singing "So Far Away."

I had a separate dream right around Father's Day, where I sensed the presence of my father; there were no words but I felt his hand touch the top of my head.

I believe every word of this you wrote.

Happy birthday.

BZ

Law and Order Teacher said...

J,
Thank for the visit. I feel that God is there for me. I wanted to call my mom to tell her. I thought people wouldn't believe me.

My mom said "Are you crazy, I know your dad is there everyday." My wife and I have been married 35 years. I said you know happened to me today? She said your dad visited you. I said "How did you know?" She said, "It's your birthday." We both cried.

My mom said, "We Germans don't cry much, right?" I said "today we do." I feel so good that my dad was there for me. Now I'm good. My mom loved that he was here.

BZ,
The reply to you is hard. You have felt the pain of losing your father. It's tough. If you had one role model in your life it's your dad.

But to know he is there is unbelievable. I thought I lost him. Then today I felt his touch, just like when I was a kid. That is the thing I needed to keep going. I am refreshed.

I miss my dad, but I know he is there, like when I learned to ride a bike and all the other stuff he taught me. I feel really good now. I hope you feel the same.

Let me know.

sue said...

Law and Order - Happy Birthday!
I believe in those things too. In fact, I felt something move me to click on your blog tonight.

I'm glad I did. And I'm glad you are positive about your dad visiting you on your birthday, instead of just thinking maybe.

Have you ever heard of the comic strip called Family Circus? I't's often just one frame. They sometimes show the grandparents present at family gatherings - as 'spirits.' I'v always agreed with that. Why do we believe if we can't think that our loved ones are watching over us.

AmPowerBlog said...

Hope you had a great day, LOT!!

Brooke said...

Happy Birthday.

You're one lucky man to feel your father's presence like you did!

And you think 56 is old?

Nah.

Law and Order Teacher said...

Sue,
Thanks for the visit. I know that I feel strongly about some things and this is one. Your story was great. Thanks again.

Dr.D,
Thanks for the visit. Your visits are always appreciated. I am honored by you presence.

Brooke,
I'm not sure it is old, but it sounds so old, doesn't it? It was cool that my dad visited me on my birthday, like he always did. It's great to know that he still looks out for his kids.

Thanks for visiting.

Z said...

"When I retired he took a deep breath. When he touched me today, I took a deep breath." WOW.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR LAW & ORDER.....

Sue, BZ, L&0...I think there's something to this feeling things like hands on our head, too.
L&0, you gave your mother such a great gift....You had QUITE a Dad.

We need more men in America whose grown children mourn their passing and still feel their love and strength......what a tribute to them.
Sue...that feeling you should come to a site? OH, yes...no accident, is it. Do you know about five bloggers are starting Sunday Faith Blogs? No accident, either, right? :-)
Thanks, L&0, this was wonderful.
And, again, a VERY HAPPY HEALTHY YEAR TO YOU!! (and you are NOT OLD)

sue said...

L & O Teacher: I want to add something to this post. Yesterday I drove to my mom's because my late sister's twin daughters were there. My sister died of breast cancer in her early forties. One of the twins has a three year old daughter. When I saw her, I thought that my sister might be watching as I hugged her granddaughter. It was an emotional moment.

Law and Order Teacher said...

Z,
Thanks for the visit. You are right. I think it is important to live your life so that people truly miss you, but also feel as though you never left. Your spirit should live on in those who love you. My dad's does.

Sue,
Thanks again. I really feel that people's spirits live on through their loved ones. Not is the ghost sense, but in the spirit of God sense. Beautiful thought.

Average American said...

Happy 56th youngster! Hope you have many many more!

Always On Watch said...

Off topic....

I've see you comment over at Z's blog and would really like your thoughts on this post. It's a thorny issue here in the D.C. area.

The Vegas Art Guy said...

Happy belated birthday!

Texas Truth said...

Happy Birthday. Sorry I am late with the wish!

WomanHonorThyself said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIEND!!

Law and Order Teacher said...

Thanks all. I have contemplated the age thing and I'm convinced that I am about 12 mentally and I refuse to change. I love my job and I am lucky to be there. Coaching and teaching is right where I want to be now in my life. I consider myself to be very fortunate and I seize everyday. Thanks to everyone. I was not soliciting birthday wishes, I was contemplating my age. I don't want anyone thinking I am a self-aggrandizer.

KauaiMark said...

Happy D-day guy. I'm only 5yrs ahead of you as of July/4

KauaiMark said...

(That "D" was posta be a "B")