Happy Birthday Dad!!

When it comes to Fridays .... just my opinion but that's the best day of the week.... anticipating a weekend and all that goes with it.  Like sleeping in!  or reading a good book.  Lounging out at the pool.  Walking the pug.  *sigh*  but for me, its not Friday.  I get the pleasure of working a wonderful weekend at my BigBox store.  But that's all right.  The payoff is a 4.5 day weekend, and I'll get to spend a holiday with my family!

One of the drawbacks of working for any retailer is the fact that they want (and require) employees who are there at key times -- which is when the customers are in the store.  And when do customers normally shop?  After working hours of course!   Lucky for me, I work in the back offices, and its rare that I have to work a weekend, usually only 3 times per year, plus the segment surrounding inventory.  Which is its own nightmare and will be addressed later (ours will be June 18th).

Today is my dad's birthday.  He's 77 years old.  And still kicking.  However, he's got stage IV cancer, and has been on chemo for 10 months (with a few breaks in between during holidays).  As with all medical regimens, its not without consequences.  His feet and fingers become numb, food and drink can only be tolerated at room temperature, and the foods he can and can't eat are limited.
But that doesn't crush his spirit.  He's the kind of man who quietly endures.  He doesn't let on when things are aching or when he's not feeling well.  We give him his space, and he just does what he needs, without a bunch of drama.  In spite of all that he's going through, he pitches in and does his fair share.  The last time I visited him, he didn't shirk away from the need to hoe the patch of dirt they use as their garden.  They grow tomatoes, green beans and zucchini.  There's nothing like home grown veggies -- can't wait for summertime visits.

I love you, Dad!
Can't wait to see you Weds!!