80 years old, how on earth we got you there I will never know, through out all your illnesses though and despite all the trails and tribulations of the years you had made it. The morning of your birthday, Thursday, 15 July 2010, you had woken and said to me, "I made it, I made 80 and I woke up today." That smile and those simple words said it all, the fear you held of not making it or of making it to that day and not waking up were patent. We both knew that your time was limited and that the probability of your next birthday being reached was just not there. This proved to be true.......
It seems such a long time ago since we celebrated your 80th birthday with friends and family in the back yard at home, but was only a very brief 5 months and five days before your death. We both knew at the time that this would be your last birthday and although it brought sadness it also brought joy as this was the birthday that no one expected you to reach. For 25 years we had Doctors tell us that your future was bleak, that you may not live much longer or that you would possibly die within hours or days. You had fought back from all those things and now your time was drawing near. This though was to be a day for celebration of life, your life, and there was to be no sadness allowed.
The party had been planned for weeks and as your birthday had fallen during the week we planned it for the Saturday and sent out the invitations well in advance. Family of course were the very first to accept, those of them who could come did so and those tethered by distance sent their love and regrets, but would be with us in spirit. So many friends came to spend time with you that day too and for that I will always be grateful.
The joy on your face that day was extra special, you had reached the goal you set so many years ago and although frail you were not going to miss out on your party for anyone. The excitement was plain for everyone to see and as you sat in an arm chair brought out to the garden for you you watched with pride as the children played around the yard and your friends and family gathered to chat and to spend what most of us knew would be your last birthday with you.
That day is still vivid for me now and will always remain etched in memory and as we settled you down for the night that night the joy in your face amidst the tired lines told a story of a day spent just the way you always wanted.
Rest in Peace Keith, you are loved and missed by many, but most of all by myself and Missy, your dog....
All rights reserved - Copyright - Dawn Millen Author of Widowhood 101
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