Happy 92nd Birthday to my Dad, Homer!
My dad, Levi Homer Shank, was born April 2, 1930.
First, he’s handsome, fun, lighthearted, has a great sense of humor and makes me laugh a lot.
Dad is like a magnet with people. His energy, love, compassion and friendly ways with everyone he meets, is the magnet.
Similarly, his sense of humor is carried out into his life every day.
From the time I was a little girl, I remember the love my mom and dad had for each other. My siblings and I would all giggle each day when he got home from working as a carpenter and swoop my mom into his arms for a big kiss!
Because my dad didn’t want my mom to work outside of the home, to make ends meet with 5 kids, he’d come home after working all day, eat dinner and then leave again to work until late at night.
After that, he’d turn around and do this for 5 more days. Only he never worked on Sundays. This was the day we went to church, had Sunday dinner/lunch and visited with extended family.
He was always a fantastic listener and still is today. I always feel like Dad really cares about me and what I have to say. Hence, I’ve always felt like I matter greatly to him. I call him every night.
Above all, my parents taught all of us great values by their example. Their faith and being of service is something that has come naturally to my parents. Dad remains a big part of their church, making a difference in many lives.
The importance of family is a value Mom and Dad taught this huge family, as they began their life together in marriage, on February 11, 1951.
Another attribute of my dad’s, is compassion.
It was very visible after my Mom, was diagnosed with cancer in October 2019. He did a wonderful job helping my mom and caring for her.
After Mom passed away last August, he even learned more things to cook and to do his laundry. Despite my sisters near him and other family members, telling him they would do his laundry. He chooses to do it himself.
Even though Dad misses the love of his life he was married to for over 70 1/2 years, I admire his strength to keep moving forward each day.
For example, a good attitude, daily walking, his faith and eating right, contribute to his youthful life he lives.
Going back to in person church each Sunday is something he’s passionate about. My sister usually goes with Dad. She tells me, you can tell he loves being there with everyone.
As a result of taking care of himself, he was able to fly and travel with me in February to Florida to visit his 30th great grandchild, Elianah and my daughter and husband.
As I shared in another article, we even experienced a Space X launch at Kennedy Space Center. Another thing to mark off our bucket lists!
As for his 92nd birthday, I will be in Toledo with him, in the home I grew up in, for one week.
We will begin his day with the monthly church pancake breakfast and end it with a dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Many family members will join us.
Most of all, we are blessed to have each other, and I love you Dad, more than I can express. I know you know how much I love you.
Thank you for being the most amazing example of what a loving, caring, Godly man is to me, all my siblings, our spouses, all your grandchildren and great grandchildren, to Mom for over 72 together and everyone you meet!
Your gifts you continually share, will live on for generations.
With all my love and appreciation,
Connie
PS. Here is a link to some birthday greetings for someone this age:
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