Happy 90th Birthday, Dad!

After the big family celebrations yesterday, today was Dad's actual birthday and he spent it quietly - just with Mum and me. Over a delicious lunch of salmon fillet he told me about how he started up and ran his own company, with all the financial calculations and risks entailed. Although entirely self-taught in business, he and Mum made a success of it. He has certainly had an intrepid spirit all his life, though tempered by prudence and common sense. He's always been hardworking, industrious and independent, and he is a wonderful and much-loved father, grandfather and husband whose priority is to protect and provide for his family. That's why it's so heartbreaking to see how quickly his health has declined in the past few weeks, which has overshadowed his 90th birthday celebrations. An x-ray taken last Wednesday showed up fluid on his lungs, and he is currently unable to walk more than a few steps without having to fight for breath. But he has been determined to enjoy his birthday in spite of it - he and Mum have never been ones to give up easily. The best birthday present for Dad today was when the hospital called to say that he has an appointment at the chest clinic on Thursday to start investigations. I shall stay with Dad and Mum for the rest of the week to get them to the appointment, and to continue helping them out at home. I'm so glad to have taken this week off work, although I didn't know what the circumstances were going to be when I booked the time off months ago.

It's my own birthday next week, and to know that whatever is wrong with Dad could be alleviated with treatment would be the best present I could have.