Friday, February 29, 2008

Happy Birthday


Happy Birthday to all of the leap year babies out there.


And a very special birthday wish to my dear friend, Jack. Our birthdays are only about two weeks apart, but he is celebrating his 19th today, while I am about to turn 76. How could that happen? Not fair!


We started life together back in 1932 in Pennsylvania. We shared some great adventures in our early years. Then we went our separate ways. Eventually we got back in touch.


Jack started his studies at Villanova, but left there to become a Maryknoll priest. He spent some years in his "parish" in the jungles of El Salvador. When he finally returned to this country, he served as Vicar General at Maryknoll for a while, and later as president of their university.


Jack won't be able to see this blog post. He doesn't do computers any more. He has been retired for some time, and now suffers from Parkinson's disease. We still keep in touch as best we can. He sends me a note occasionally, when someone types it for him. I always look first for the signature. He manages "Jack" at the end of the note, though it grows more shakey each time.


Love you, Jack. God bless. And Happy Birthday!

4 comments:

Dianne said...

I don't think I've ever known anyone born on 2/29 but I always thought that would be so cool

what a lovely, loving birthday message for your friend

Happy Birthday Jack

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

What a nice post and tribute to your friend. Happy Birthday, Jack!

Anonymous said...

The high esteem in which you hold your friend, Jack, must be of great comfort to him. This was, indeed, a fitting tribute to the man and to a fulfilling life... Deb

pink dogwood said...

The picture you posted is absolutely adorable. Happy Birthday to your friend Jack.