It’s hard to put your thoughts into words when a dream is fulfilled. It’s probably why my father was overcome with emotion at his birthday party yesterday. When my brother wheeled him into the room and he saw all the people standing inside, smiling and welcoming him, he was overcome with tears and could hardly stop. “Happy birthday, Dad!” Happy birthday, Opa! Happy birthday, Bert!”
We could not have planned it better. While driving up from Indiana, the owner of the rented venue told me we could get into the building early to set up. The relatives were early and he was late. It was perfect timing, but only God’s timing. I really did not plan any of that timing.
Relatives from the Netherlands joined via ZOOM to wish him birthday greetings. ZOOM, the answer to distant relatives, provided this technological gift.
He even included a short speech of thanks.
We sang happy birthday three times because it seemed like a better alternative than watching him crying. However, deep down, I know I could have cried with him as well. When you go through a pandemic where you cannot see family, you view it as a precious gift when it is reality.
His dream of a picnic was fulfilled, even though it was a different type of picnic. Thank you, God. Thank you for your goodness to him.
A Journey Worth Remembering 