Erin Wooddell
Last week, my Granddaddy turned 90 years old.
So proud of this fact—and excited about my upcoming trip to West Virginia to celebrate him—I shared the news with anyone who crossed my path. The responses from those who don't know him personally were almost amusing. Things like, "Oh wow, I bet he's so grateful just to make it to another birthday," and "What a feat!" What they don't know is he doesn't look a day over 70. The man played golf to celebrate his big day, after all. Age—to him—is just a number.
As such a well-loved and respected pillar of the community, my family decided to throw him a open-house birthday celebration this past weekend, so that anyone who wanted to wish him a happy birthday would get the chance.
An announcement for the event ran in the newspaper for two weeks prior, and the outpouring of love he received in response was overwhelming. He received card after card from family, friend, former student and neighbor. All with touching stories of how his lessons as a teacher stayed with them through life, or how his love as a father, grandfather and friend meant the world.
Saturday arrived, and so did slews of people. As the clock struck two, the man of the hour entered the building with my lovely NeeNaw at his side. Those of us already present cheered and photographed him. He no sooner sat down in his designated chair of honor, than people started lining up to greet him. Within minutes, others were pouring through the front door, bearing gifts and well wishes for this momentous occasion.
I felt myself choke back tears throughout the day, simply overcome with love and respect for my granddaddy. There's nothing quite like seeing droves of people—friend and stranger alike—come to greet your grandfather with sentiments of thanks and well wishes. The worth of this man has been evident to me since childhood, and it warms my heart to know that everyone else who comes into contact with him recognizes it, too.
Happy Birthday, Granddaddy!
Last week, my Granddaddy turned 90 years old.
So proud of this fact—and excited about my upcoming trip to West Virginia to celebrate him—I shared the news with anyone who crossed my path. The responses from those who don't know him personally were almost amusing. Things like, "Oh wow, I bet he's so grateful just to make it to another birthday," and "What a feat!" What they don't know is he doesn't look a day over 70. The man played golf to celebrate his big day, after all. Age—to him—is just a number.
As such a well-loved and respected pillar of the community, my family decided to throw him a open-house birthday celebration this past weekend, so that anyone who wanted to wish him a happy birthday would get the chance.
An announcement for the event ran in the newspaper for two weeks prior, and the outpouring of love he received in response was overwhelming. He received card after card from family, friend, former student and neighbor. All with touching stories of how his lessons as a teacher stayed with them through life, or how his love as a father, grandfather and friend meant the world.
Saturday arrived, and so did slews of people. As the clock struck two, the man of the hour entered the building with my lovely NeeNaw at his side. Those of us already present cheered and photographed him. He no sooner sat down in his designated chair of honor, than people started lining up to greet him. Within minutes, others were pouring through the front door, bearing gifts and well wishes for this momentous occasion.
I felt myself choke back tears throughout the day, simply overcome with love and respect for my granddaddy. There's nothing quite like seeing droves of people—friend and stranger alike—come to greet your grandfather with sentiments of thanks and well wishes. The worth of this man has been evident to me since childhood, and it warms my heart to know that everyone else who comes into contact with him recognizes it, too.
Happy Birthday, Granddaddy!