Already Ninety

Much to my father's chagrin, he turned ninety today.

It's truly an impressive number and despite his best intentions to be gone by 65 or so, he has outlived all of his hopes and expectations. 

But, as he well knows, we still have great hopes and expectations for his one very precious and rather lengthy life. 

God is merciful and has given him an incredibly wonderful wife, three kids who really love him, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

His story is incredible and as much as his life could have been taken several times over when he was younger, he is still here and is very well loved. 

His legacy lives on through us...

Just look at this crazy bunch!

He is such a trooper and he played along with anything and everything we had planned for this evening of celebration.

He's the little monkey in the middle...

trying to hide from the party that he never wanted to have to live long enough to celebrate! 

He even joined in with playing the "pie face game" and was the first to get smacked in the face with whipped cream! 

It's a sobering business to put your face in the hole, in the direct line of fire of a little hand holding a pile of whipped cream. 

He took his turn without complaint...

The general craziness and laughter increased with each succeeding victim and the smile on my dear daddy's face was priceless.  

Tension builds with each click...

some are spared - and others are not!!

All of us direct descendants took one for the team. 

I had an oil slick on my eye for the next 24 hours or so, but it was worth it!

The party was over the top fun and my Dad was happier than I have seen him in a very long time.

With her limited energy and sore back, Mom still managed to make her famous Napolean Torte, a family favourite.

These dear, aging hands have prepared so many meals and birthday cakes over the years with so very much love. 

We enjoyed it after polishing off a table full of delicious Chinese Food.

This day of partying was preceded by a week of prayer and fasting by some of us in the immediate family circle . We long to see Dad live out his remaining days and even more importantly, eternity, knowing the Savior and Lover of His soul.

The only One who can give him peace and hope.

Beyond his wildest dreams and expectations...

We're still waiting with hope and expectancy!