The last birthday I had with Dad was on September 2, 2020. Getting the last birthday gift from dad was not an option. It’s great getting gifts from those you love. Visiting with my mother and father that afternoon and evening, happy together. They were both happy that I was there with them and safe at home. I saw dad get out the checkbook, so I knew he was going to write a check.

Dad and mom were both 89. 20 years younger than they, my birthday was the still summer and theirs was fall. Dad’s age of 89 years was as old as he could make it. Dad’s 90th birthday was in heaven.

A person close to my parents, I shared much love with them. I truly have never seen anything else like the love that I have for them. Naturally, I did not need a birthday gift from them. My last birthday gift from dad was not something I had ever imagined.

He proudly filled out the check right there. I was smiling and reached out to him as he handed it to me. Oh thank you, dad, I really appreciate this. Looking at the check, I said sort of loudly, “oh dad you put October 2 on the date. He mumbled something that was inaudible for that moment.

Quickly, I said oh that’s alright dad. I can hold the check until October. That’s no problem at all. I visited every day sometimes in the mornings also. I came every afternoon and we all watched the sunsets together. “My bad” I did not realize that dad was really feeling very weak and sick.

We watched the signs of nature. The last field game ever was across the road from the house. The Evangel World Prayer Center had sold out all their property. Having attended the rezoning meetings, I was basically afraid of the changes that were taking place along our home on Minor Lane.

The changes that took place since then were not imagined. These are the very biggest buildings ever, stretching from curve to curve. The Evangel Church building today is the only building still standing there. No Tresspassing big hills of dirt were lined all the way with some trees planted in them to protect the property. The Ford Plant’s a big, booming business. But those big shipping buildings are for their eyes only.

Remembering Joe Richard Greenwood.