Some birth dates have more significance than others. Becoming a teenager, turning 16, then 18, then 21--all for different reasons. 30 is big. So is 40 and 60. How about 65--the traditional age for retirement. I'm not seeking birthday wishes, but today is that day. If I'd waited 6 more minutes, I would have shared my birthday with my father. He turns 90 tomorrow (25th). Now that's a milestone, second only to 100.

We really surprised him last Saturday. Tears were flowing as he entered my house to have his children and grandchildren (7 out of 9) and great grandchildren greet him. Then as the afternoon progressed, nieces and nephews came in. We totaled 30 in all. Dad was overwhelmed with surprise and emotion.

We all gabbed, ate delicious Honduran food, took pictures, reminisced, laughed, cried, watched old "home movies", and just enjoyed a great family reunion. You don't have to wait for a funeral to gather together.

The house survived the onslaught. I spent the following day cleaning up, and there's much more to do (What a way to spend a birthday!). I got my mother's coffee urn back (taken by my ex), and was given over 100 jazz tapes recorded by my deceased uncle, unwanted by his son.

So, in sum, what a most wonderful, memorable day--and birthday present. In a word--overwhelming.