As a special treat for Grandpa's birthday celebration, they've imported a special guest blogger all the way from New York City! I even managed to get all the way through the party yesterday and the after-party nachos without collapsing from jet lag- a marvelous feat.
But the party! Yesterday, in honor of not only Howard's birthday but his marvelous recovery progress (he can stand up in the dreaded boots!!) the family gathered at his new home to sip a little bubbly and eat an enormous cake made by mother dearest, Kelli. Grandpa was up in his chair, which had been decked out with an enormous singing balloon (a gift from his caretakers, Esther and Marian) and was greeting his guests at the door. We all adjourned to the deck for the party proper. A few highlights: the wind continually activated grandpa's balloon, providing us with some lovely background music. Grandpa had his first glass of bubbly and declared it to be "mighty fine". The Drake family had been in Spokane the week before, and had compiled a photo album of Deer Park photos, so we could all see how the old place was doing now. We were all shocked to discover that they have their very own computer store now! Before cutting the cake, we recreated the grandchild photograph that hangs in grandpa's bedroom and on the home page of this blog (Aaron miraculously walked in just as we said "cheese").
For me, personally, it's been difficult to be on the other side of the country during this whole journey, although being able to read this blog has certainly helped. I was so grateful that I got to have a little time to catch up with grandpa and see for myself just how very much like himself he truly is nowadays. I wish I could stick around for a little while longer and help out more, but it's back to the big apple with me tonight (I have my own blog of New York life, if any of you aren't already reading it, at newcoastadventure.blogspot.com). All in all it's been a lovely visit, and I'm so happy that Grandpa's doing so very well!!
-- Amy
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