Some people also recall what happened in their lives on the day before: the last day of "life as we knew it."
I do, too, because September 10, 2001 was a milestone birthday for my dad.
On that particular birthday of his, I remember having a busy day at work because I planned to leave early. John and I had just taken a 'second job' as ushers/crowd control for the Denver Broncos. We were cheap labor, but we got to be in the brand new Invesco Field at Mile High for the very first game ever, which happened to be against the rival Raiders.
All day I reminded myself to call my dad. (He lives 1,100 miles away, and I'm notoriously bad for getting cards in the mail, so it would be my only birthday greeting to him.)
I remember rushing out of work, quickly changing clothes at home, and hopping in the truck to head downtown. Before we had even hit the highway, I was singing "Happy Birthday" to my dad over the phone. We chatted for a while, then arrived downtown and assumed our duties in the seats of the north end zone.
The game went late, and the next morning John and I both overslept, which meant we were still at home to watch the events across our nation unfold.
Today, as we mark a decade since the day before the events of 9/11, we also celebrate another milestone decade of my dad's life. Since that day, so much has changed in our nation, our lives, our family. Among other things, my dad has taken a mission trip to Rwanda, touched innumerable lives through his small businesses, survived a head-on car crash and a second heart surgery, celebrated 47 years of marriage to my mom, and become a Grandfather five times!
It's been quite a decade, Dad. As you begin a new one, we pray that the next one will be just as exciting and blessed, but maybe just a little less 'eventful'! Happy Birthday!
