Getting the Mail

Hawk/Vulture Feathers & A Nice Birthday Card

Odd photo, right?

Well, this is what I collected on my trip to the mailbox today. I am interested in getting a bit more exercise lately, so I have been walking the 1/3 mile to mailbox more often lately instead of always driving to get my mail. Even on hot and sweaty days like today, a little walk seems like a good way to get some exercise.

The feathers I gathered on my way back up the hill toward my home. I occasionally find one of the big hawk or turkey vulture feathers, but it is very rare that I would find so many all at the same time. those large feathers measure 10-12 inches from root to tip. After finding the second large one, I began to look around me to see if maybe there was a dead bird lying nearby, as if there had been a big bird fight. I saw no birds, just more feathers. Strange. I do enjoy collecting the feathers, especially the really big ones. Reminds me that I live amongst the wildlife.

The birthday card is from my Dad to me. He included a nice note and a nice birthday gift check that I surely was not expecting. The card is nice. The gift check is nice. The best thing though is that my 89 year old Dad remembered my birthday which is later this month and he sent me a card and gift well ahead of the date. I am impressed and very pleased.

You see, although my Dad still lives independently, his memory is failing more and more and I worry about him a lot. Until today, I hadn't heard from him for over a week, and was just reminding myself earlier today to remember to call him later this evening. He lives in the great state of Texas, so I need to remember the time difference between here and there when I make my calls.

Anyway, for most of my adult life, I have been the one who would remind my Dad of family birthdays etc. My older sister's birthday happens to be tomorrow, earlier in August than my own, so usually what happens is that I remind my Dad about hers and that triggers his memory about mine. For the past couple of years I've dropped the ball on that reminder duty and have not reminded him about my sister's birthday. So he remembered mine this year all on his own. That is what pleases me. He even got the date correct and did not mix it up with my sister's this time. (He noted my birth date on the inside of the card. That's how I know.)

I don't have a lot of my relatives left on this earth, so it is very comforting to have my Dad reach out all the way from Texas to send me his happy birthday wishes and his love. It is a connection to my roots that I seldom get to experience. I am mindful that I don't know how much longer my Dad will be here, so I value his gift even more. Thank you Dad (Daddio). I love you.

My Dad in his favorite restaurant in Texas

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