Today would have been Pop's 71st birthday.

 

I always had trouble keeping track of how old Mom & Pop are.  I knew they were a year apart in age, but I could never remember, for some reason, if Pop was born in '38 and Mom in '39, or Pop in '37 and Mom in '38.  Unfortunately I have the benchmark set, now - I just remember that Pop was 66 when he died in 2003, and whatever year anniversary of his death we're in (this year will be 5 years) I add that 66 to get his age.  With Mom, I add then subtract 1.  So, Mom will be 70 this year in December.

 

I hate the fact that this is how I remember how old my parents are, or would be.

 

I haven't had a Pop moment yet today.  Usually I do on his birthday and special occasions -- some little thing that's probably ridiculous, but kind of says to me that he's still around.  If the icemaker spit an ice cube at me instead of into my glass, that would be a Pop moment.  Silly stuff.  But as Pop got older (and after he got sick) he got a lot more relaxed and attained more of a sense of humor.  At least I know where I got my oddball side from.

 

So, Happy Birthday, Pop.  Rita's doesn't sell lime waterice anymore, otherwise I'd have one in your honor. Guess it'll just have to be a beer instead!