Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Life in our little cottage in the country

You are here: Home / birthday / Happy 90th to my Dad

Happy 90th to my Dad

at by

dadme

Dad is 90 years old today.

His name is Gordon, by the way. He went off to serve in WWII at the age of 18 and came back home when he was 22. He earned a Purple Heart. He corresponded with a girl from his neighborhood while he was overseas. She was given his name by a neighborhood group that was supporting the soldiers and started writing him letters. A few days after he got home, they met for a soft drink at the neighborhood soda fountain. He told her he was going to marry her and she thought he was awfully cheeky. Six months later, they were married.

They eventually moved to a suburb of Detroit where they raised 4 children. Dad worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 40 years. He loved to go fishing, to take us camping, to spend time at the cottage on a lake that his dad built when dad was a toddler.

He’s a complicated man. He has his demons. But he loves his family with a devotion that is unmatched. He visits my mom, now in a nursing home for over two years, every day. He loves his adorable cats and they love him. He still drives, though he doesn’t drive in bad weather or at night. He still fixes things around the house. (My dad can fix most anything, by the way.) He loves nothing more than to sit in his chair and look out the window at all the birds and waterfowl that hang out near the pond. It gives him peace.

He’s lonely. It’s tough without my mom. He has lots of aches and pains and some days are really tough. But he hangs in there.

My dad is a good guy. He’s incredibly generous and has been there whenever we have needed him, with advice, with acceptance, with money, with a hug. He makes sure to visit other residents of the nursing home that he has met during the past two years. Some of them are all alone, so he stops to talk to them. He is a kind man.

So Happy Birthday Dad! Happy 90th Birthday to you! I’m far away from you physically, but you are in my heart.

Today we celebrate you.

(I’d love it if you left a birthday message for my dad. I thought I would print them out and send them to him. Thanks so much.)

Love,

ClaudiaSignature140X93

 

 

Comments

  2. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GORDON !!!!!
    Have a great day and a second piece of birthday cake, you deserve it.
    Vanessa

  3. Claudia, Sending birthday hugs to your father Gordon. He sounds like a wonderful man..hard working and family oriented. You are blessed to be able to hear his voice and get hugs. Wishing you all well. xoxo,Susie

  4. Happy Birthday, Gordon. Claudia is blessed with a wonderful Dad. I, too, was blessed with one. Sending lots of warm wishes your way. I hope your day is lovely.

  5. Happy birthday to your dad, Claudia! What a great post and an interesting life your father has had. So young to go off to war (as so many are, of course). I love how faithful he is to your mom. We could learn a lot from that generation. I feel like so much has been lost in the way of self sufficiency, reliability, independence, the ability to figure things out and do them, and perseverance through tough times. Cheers to your dad!

  6. Happy Birthday Gordon! I love the picture of you and Claudia that she posted on the blog today! I am not sure if you know it, but all of Claudia’s blog readers just adore your wonderful daughter :) Over time you have sacrificed for your country and your family and home and we thank you for that and for Claudia!

    Warm wishes to you this day!

  7. Happy Birthday Gordon!! You sound like a wonderful husband, father and friend. May your day bring you everything you deserve and more.
    Thank you for your service to our country.
    Pam

  8. Gordon, you deserve a wonderful day to celebrate this auspicious birthday………HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
    Claudia has shared special things about you and your life. Thank you for fighting for this wonderful country.
    Hoping your days are enjoyable – take care driving – and please know that we love your Claudia – she brings much joy to so many of us via her blog.
    Many happy returns – Mary in North Carolina

  9. Happy 90th Birthday Gordon! Your daughter has shared bits about your incredible life. It is an honor to “meet” you and I hope this special day is filled with family and love filled blessings. Sending this all the way from Canada! Sincerely, Chy

  12. Happy 90th Birthday Gordon! What a mile stone. Your Claudia is such a sweet gal and I enjoy her blog so much. Hope your day is a special day!

  13. Happy 90th Birthday, Gordon! I hope you have a wonderful day. I so enjoy reading your Claudia’s blog. She is a friend I have never had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you for your service to our country and for being the responsible and loving husband and father you are. Again, I hope you have a great day. Many happy returns……….
    Lorinda in Indiana

  14. Happy Birthday Mr. Gordon! You must have been a great father to have raised such a wonderful daughter named Claudia. May God bless both you and Claudia’s Mom on this special day!

  15. How wonderful it is to wish you a very Happy 90th Birthday…congratulations on reaching such a milestone! I so enjoyed being “introduced “to you through Claudia’s always interesting blog. Cheers!

  16. Dear Mr. Gordon You sound like a fine man! Sending you best wishes for a wonderful birthday. Sincerely, Dottie

  18. Dear Mr. Hill,

    Wishing you a happy and healthy birthday! I hope this message finds you feeling well and knowing how loved you are by so many. This heartfelt tribute by your talented daughter is a testament to the extraordinary person you must be.

    Best wishes being sent your way from the Ocean State!

    Love,
    Elyse

  20. Happy Birthday. 90 awesome years. Congratulations. I think it is wonderful that you still drive. My mother is 86 and drives as well. I hope that you have a great day celebrating. ((((((HUGS)))) from Claudia’s friend.
    Debby

  21. Happy birthday! May God bless you, Gordon. Claudia loves you very much and told us what a kind man you are. I hope God is near when you are lonely and keeps giving you strength for each day as you faithfully visit your wife and care for your cats. You have been a faithful citizen, husband and father. Not everyone gets to be 90, so I hope you enjoy an extra special day. You deserve it! Love and prayers from Indiana.

  22. Happy Birthday, Gordon! Your daughter has painted a wonderful picture of you with her words. I honor you for your service to our country and admire you for your staying abilities. Anyone who works for the same company for 40 years is truly a special person, and a marriage that has lasted 60+ years says more about two people than anything else.

    May this day be extra special and may you feel the warmth of those who love you.

    All the best,
    Dayle

  23. Happy Birthday Gordon! What a wonderful picture of you and Claudia! Your look reminds me of my handsome father. Your life reminds me of him too, enjoying the pleasures of life but living up to the responsibilities of it also, and with a modest air about the whole thing. The story of meeting your wife is a very nice one, but then, there were so many nice couples that met before and after that war, my parents included. May you enjoy many moments in each day of your 90th year onward despite the pains one has to deal with. There are rewards still there for each day.

    You have a lovely daughter!

    Dewena

  24. Happy Birthday Gordon! You can be very proud of your daughter…she brings a lot of people a wonderful perspective on the world, and that means you were a wonderful teacher. I too enjoy sitting in my yard and watching the birds, squirrels, and butterflies. I wish you many more days of enjoying life’s simple pleasures!

  25. Happy Birthday Gordon!! Claudia is so blessed to have you as her dad! My hope is that you have a wonderful day! ;)

  28. Hello and Happy Birthday. I see you worked for a “Baby Bell” also. I retired from Pacific Bell on the west coast.
    Hope your day is wonderful and filled with the sound of many “Happy Birthdays.”

  29. Happy birthday Gordon! Thank you for being who you are, a man who served his country, who
    stayed the course and became a good solid American, thank you Sir. Today is your day.
    I salute you, along with my husband who served thirty years, and has no doubt that you
    were of the best generation in American history. Again Sir with a great deal of respect,
    you honor us and give all generations hope.

  31. Happy Birthday, Gordon (or, as we often say in our family, “Hoppy Birdie”, complete with a little hoppy bird drawing!) 90 is a fine accomplishment. Take care of yourself, so you can bless this world with many more years of you being in it.
    Gail

  32. Happy Birthday, Gordon! I hope your special day is a wonderful one. I “know” your daughters Claudia and Meredith through their words. My Dad was also a WWII veteran, so I thank you for your service to our country. I also enjoy watching the birds and the squirrels in our yard every day. Enjoy your day!!

  33. Happy 90th Birthday, Gordon! All the very best in health, love and happiness. May you cherish your beloved wife and children. Your lovely daughter is so very proud of you; she adores you, I’m sure. Have a wonderful day!

    Poppy, in Greece

  35. Happy, Happy 90th birthday, Gordon!!! You are in my thoughts and prayers today!! Claudia is such a sweet lady and has told us about your life and heroic service to our country!!! I thank you for that!!! I hope your day is wonderful and filled with your favorite things!!! Blessings to you – Francine

  37. Mr. Gordon, Wishing you a Very Happy and Blessed 90th Birthday! Hope your day is filled with wonderful memories and lots of sweet surprises.~Diane M from Texas.

  38. Happy Birthday Gordon being 90. My dad was in world two. You were a handsome man and that is a real nice post your daughter has up with her with you..

    Have a great day Gordon. I am a English gal living in Canada married.

  39. Hello, Gordon – and Happy, Happy 90th birthday! What an accomplishment that is! Though from what Claudia tells us, you and Accomplishment are well-acquainted. Serving in the War, raising a wonderful family, working at the same company for 40+ years and sustaining a marriage for over 60 … well, any ONE of those things alone is a lot to be proud of. And you have done them all. You deserve to be very proud. I am honored to “know” you even a little bit – and hope you have a wonderful birthday with your family and cats today. God bless you.

  40. Happy Birthday Gordon!! 90 years young today! And here is to many more. You must be a fabulous father to have such a wonderful daughter. I hope you get a chance to read the birthday card Claudia has written to you today. It is just so heartfelt and touching. So party hardy sir and have a great day.
    Love,
    Tana

  41. Warm greetings to you, Gordon, as you celebrate your 90th birthday! It was a delight to read part of your personal story. What a rich, deep life you have had. Enjoy this special day. Best wishes!

  42. Happy birthday Gordon and many happy returns of the day! My friend Norman will be celebrating his 100th birthday next week! He’s a retired dentist and as a Canadian, and her majesty’s subject, Queen Elizabeth sent him a congratulations card. He’s over the moon about it. Best wishes and I hope you enjoy your day.

  43. Happy Birthday Gordon..May all of your wonderful memories make you smile today..Thank you for your service in the war also..And thank you for your dear daughter Claudia..she is a treasure to those of us who come to her blog every day to visit with her..Hugs, Nancy

  44. Howdie Gordon…
    From all the way down here in TEXAS!
    Claudia mentioned it’s your birthday and you’re 90 years young. How wonderful to live a life so full! With a wonderful family that loves you. I appreciate also YOUR service to OUR great Country.
    Have a very blessed day today on your 90th birthday,Sir!

    Pat

  45. A wonderful Happy 90th Birthday to you Gordon!! You have lived an amazing life. You have been part of the most amazing evolution of transportation and communications. The beginning of cars and the beginning of planes. You grew up with a radio to find out what was happening in the world to the computer in which we know instantly what is happening on the other side of the world. From man walking on a dirt road to man on the moon!! God Bless you Gordon and the legacy you have established!!

  46. Happy, Happy Birthday Mr. Gordon. Wow, 90 and still driving. Claudia has shared so many good things about you. Hope you have a wonderful Birthday. I know you have experienced so many things that most generations just read about. Take care of yourself and those cats!
    Love,
    The Grays

  48. Happy Birthday to you! I enjoyed reading the loving portrait of you that Claudia gave us. Now I know why she was so drawn to the ducks in Hartford!

  49. I love the picture,and aren’t dads, so very special. Happy Birthday Gordon,have a wonderful day !!!!

  50. Happy Birthday Gordon:) 90 is a wonderful birthday to celebrate. My mom is in a nursing home right now and I have made so many new friends visiting her every day. I know you are a blessing to everyone there.
    Enjoy the day…it is a rainy day here in Kansas.

    Terri

  51. Your dad sounds like an incredibly amazing man, you are so lucky Claudia to still have him in your life. So let’s celebrate the wonderful life of Gordon.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY GORDON!!!!!!!!!!! You have a beautiful daughter, from what she describes of you, she has many of your traits too.

    Bless you on your 90th. Birthday,
    Sue

  52. Dear Sir, you sound like my dad. He fought in Korea and was the nicest man in the world. So Happy Birthday and have a nice day!!!

  53. Have a wonderful 90th birthday Gordon. I’ve read that you served in WW2, and received
    the Purple Heart. What a honor. My father too, served in the Army, and received a Purple Heart, in
    WW2.
    Altho, he is no longer with us, the memories he shared with my 3 boys are priceless, and they
    will honor him for ever, as we all will honor you, for serving our country, especially today, on your 90th, Birthday. I hope you
    have a huge piece of cake, of your choice..Maybe..chocolate..(Yum) Enjoy your day!!! Bonnie in WI

  54. Happy Birthday Gordon. I have read so much about you. You are an amazing man. I wish I could meet you. I would love to hear the stories you must have. I think men like you who have so much love to share with everyone are a wonderful example to all of us. I hope your day brings you sunshine and laughter.

  56. *H*A*P*P*Y* * *B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y*!*!*!* Gordon! I have come to know your two daughters, Meredith and Claudia and they are great people, so you get kudos for raising them and being a good dad! Enjoy your day! Eat CAKE!
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

  58. Dear Gordon, a very Happy 90th birthday to you. Your birthday is very close to my dad’s. He was born in July of 1923. He also received a Purple Heart in WWII. I want to you thank you so much for the sacrifices you made during your service to our beautiful country! The men and woman of yours and my dad’s generation are truly the best ever! You have been dubbed ‘the greatest generation,’ and it is very clear why you earned that honor!
    I hope you have a lovely day. You deserve it. Claudia always tells us how very special you are!
    Sending BIG birthday hugs your way,
    Donna

  59. Happy birthday, dear sir. Thank you for your service and for your lovely daughter. I am thankful for both.

  60. Happy Birthday, Gordon!
    Claudia, he has the good looks of a movie star in that pic! Your writing today made me misty. Eat some cake for your dad!

  61. Happy Birthday Gordon! My were you a handsome man with your beautiful daughter Claudia in the photo. My step-father (who is the only father I really knew) also served in WWII as a medic and went to Japan, France, and Germany. He also got a Purple Heart when he was shot in the neck. I can’t imagine what it would have been like for a young guy,18 years old, to serve in a war. I understand why you have your demons because so many who served have them. You’ve lived a long life so I’m sure you have many stories to tell and I can tell you are a sweet man with a kind heart. It takes a real trooper to live to be 90 years old! How sweet to visit not only your wife but the other residents in the nursing home. Life has it’s ups and downs, joys and sorrows and you are a trooper! So glad to have met you through your wonderful daughter Claudia. She is a talented woman and I love visiting her blog.

    Best wishes for a good year!

    XXOO Sandy Dorda (a faithful reader of Mockingbird Hill Cottage)

  62. Happy Birthday, Gordon, from Vancouver Island, Canada. I hope your day is wonderful. Your daughter thinks the world of you. I love the things she told us about you – how you served in the war, loved your family and worked hard for them, and now, how you visit your wife in the nursing home. You care for others. Blessings.

  63. Happy Birthday Gordon! Your daughter Claudia describes you beautifully and wow do you remind me of my daddy who could also fix anything. As one of his three daughters I have tackled many projects most women wouldn’t even think about attempting just because I got that can do attitude from him. I hope you enjoy your special day and that you will hear from all those you hold dear.

  65. Happy Birthday Gordon! Hope you are having a wonderful day:0). Have some cake for me too!!
    Blessings & Hugs,
    Linda, Chino Valley, AZ.

  66. ~HAPPY, HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY GORDON!!!~
    Birthday greetings are being sent just for you from California!!!!……. Oh!! modern technology!!!!
    I loved seeing the wonderful picture of you and daughter Claudia. 90!!!! wow!!! How lucky are you to reach that milestone. Just take an easy day to reflect on all that you’ve seen and experienced over the years. Enjoy all the ” happenings” that are going on and around your backyard pond and with your kitties.
    Here’s hoping you have a very blessed day today and all the rest of your years.
    Also, dear soldier, I want to give you a BIG~ THANK YOU!!! for your service to our country.
    Be blessed & enjoy your day!!!
    Addie

  67. Happy Birthday, Gordon. Such a lovely picture of you with Claudia:) Thank you for your service to our country. Best wishes to you on your birthday!

  70. Hello and happy birthday, Gordon! Ninety years, that is quite impressive! I hope you are having a nice day. By the way, I’m a fan of the name Gordon, my husband and baby grandson are both named Gordon! (my mother-in-law named my husband after Gordon MacRae) Take care!!

  71. Dear Sir
    Happy birthday from distant Buenos Aires, Argentina !! I was very touched by the sweet photo of young Claudia and her handsome dad, maybe remembering the relationship I had with my own dad whom I lost twelve years ago.I appreciate your daughter Claudia very much from the distance and I”m quite sure the really good person she is ,is the legacy of your qualities as a good human being! Have anice day!!!
    Alicia Tillman

  72. Happy 90th birthday Gordon. I hope your day is as wonderful as you are. Claudia did a wonderful post on you. You sound like such a special man!! Claudia may be far away. but you sure are in her heart!!

  73. Happy birthday, Gordon. That’s my father’s name also. He also joined the Navy for WWII and retired from the Navy. I’m sure Claudia loves you with a passion as she always says sweet things about you. Hope you have a very happy day.
    xoxo,
    Connie

  75. Happpppy happpppy birthday Gordon!!!
    I hope you have the best year every!!!
    Wishing you health and happiness
    Stephanie

  76. Happy Birthday, Gordon. I hope that your 90th year is filled with health, happiness and joy (and pie!) Thanks for your service to our country–Sue in Cincinnati (go Reds!)

  77. Happy Birthday, Gordon. How lovely to see the picture of you and Claudia! Claudia has told us wonderful things about the father she loves so much. Take care of yourself and many happy returns of the day. (Always have a soft spot for the name Gordon, my youngest grandson was a Thomas the Train fan and Gordon was the favorite after Thomas). God bless and keep you.

  79. Best wishes on the occasion of your 90th birthday, Gordon! Thank you for serving our country. My father, too, served in World War II, in Europe, with the 99th Infantry Division. He will be 90 years old next July. You sound like a fine man, a loving husband and father to your wonderful children. I so enjoy your daughter’s blog. Lots of people, all over the world, are thinking about you and your dear wife. Blessings from Pennsylvania!

  81. 90! You have come a long way Gordon and may you enjoy your days with a peaceful mind and a happy heart! Congratulations!

  82. Happy 90th Birthday Gordon! You must be a really great Dad because you have a great daughter in Claudia. Her description of you reminds me of my Dad who passed away too early from Parkinson’s disease. I hope you continue to enjoy the birds out your window for many years!

  83. Dear Gordon,
    Wishing you a very happy 90th birthday! May it be filled with all the people and things you love and lots of cake!
    Salutations and Congratulations from Los Angeles!

  84. Happy Birthday Gordon! What a milestone you have reached at 90. In many ways you sound like the same kind of dad I had – loving, serving, kind, thoughtful and caring. Those same traits have been passed to Claudia. You must be proud of her as she is of you!
    Many good wishes to you.
    Betty

  85. Happy birthday dear Gordon, you sound like a wonderful and devoted family man, something all children wish for. And you have raised a kind, caring, compassionately daughter.

    I wish you a very happy day with a nice big piece of cake and the love of family, and friends.

    Elizabeth

  86. Happy 90th birthday Gordon! So nice to read about you on Claudia’s blog today. Cats make pretty good companions, don’t they? Enjoy your special day!

  87. Hope it’s not too late to send you happy birthday wishes, Gordon! Turning 90 is quite the milestone and from what Claudia wrote about you, you sound like you’ve lived a very full and devoted life. I hear you’re a cat lover – so am I! They’re such great companions, aren’t they? Sending my happy birthday wishes and blessings from northern Illinois…

  88. Happy Birthday Gordon!!! 90, wow what a milestone. Feel like a know you from the beautiful and heartfelt tribute that your daughter wrote about you….
    I hope that you have had a wonderful day!
    Best Wishes,
    Debbi Saunders

  89. Your Dad sounds wonderful. What a great love story! He sounds so devoted to your Mom. It’s hard when they are separated like that. Happy Birthday Gordon and many more! J

  90. Happy birthday to your dad Gordon! What an absolutely beautiful story about how your parents met. I hope his birthday is filled with all of the special memories that he’s collected over his 90 years.

  91. Happy Birthday Gordon – you are a wonderful husband and father. You can hear the love your daughter has for you just by the moments she has shared in her blog. I hope you had a wonderful birthday and I wish you many more. Hope you had a great day. Best wishes.

  95. What a wonderful tribute to a good man, a good father, loving husband and a patriot. Happy birthday, Gordon! It sounds like you redeemed the time well. May your special day be bright and cheerful, what ever the weather!

  96. Life got in the way of me coming back yesterday and wishing your dad a happy birthday. I hope it was a wonderful day for him. xo LAura

  97. Claudia, Oh my goodness! I just read this post about your dad!
    My dad’s birthday was September 27. He was born in 1915. His name is Gordon!

    I hope your dad had a wonderful day!
    xo rachel
    P.S. Daddy has been gone 6 years. sigh.
    P.P.S. I trust Scout is on the mend!

  98. Happy Birthday, Gordon!

    From Switzerland all the best. I too love sitting at the window and watching birds, of which we have many here in the hills. I hope you had a memorable day, a yummy cake and visitors who spoiled you.

    Regula

  99. It takes a good man to raise a daughter as fine as Claudia and I wish you a very happy birthday from Canada! I wouldn’t mind sitting by that pond with you for awhile!

Please check back to follow the conversation!

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

Archives