A Family Affair – Honoring Dad’s 80th Birthday.
In 2014, my dad turned 80. He was the epitome of ageing gracefully a real “Poster Boy” of it. Early morning workouts, long walks, and scholarly pursuits were his daily routine.
When it came to celebrating his 80th birthday, Dad was adamant about a low-key affair. He still had nightmares from the grand celebration we threw for his 70th birthday. Being a shy and introverted person, too much attention made him uncomfortable.
Even after 55 years of marriage to my mom, who loved the spotlight, he never got used to it.
So, the “Shatzman Girls” – my sisters Yael, Keren, and I – crafted a perfect celebration plan – a two-part celebration.
First up: a family-only trip down memory lane. We took Dad back to his hometown, Binyamina, for a nostalgic journey through history. His expertise was Roman history, so exploring ancient sites like Caesarea was a no-brainer.
Next, we hosted a bigger celebration in a stunning restored castle. We managed to narrow down the guest list to 80 of Dad’s closest friends and family (no small feat, considering Mom’s social butterfly status!).
It was a resounding success! My father loved it, as you can see in this photo taken in his birthplace. He’s standing proudly under the plaque dedicated to him when they named a promenade in his honour.
Sadly this photo captures a moment in time. It’s the last time we saw Dad healthy and vibrant. Two weeks later, he suffered a massive stroke, leaving him paralyzed on his left side. Life changed dramatically after that. But this photo is a glorious reminder of his joy and the incredible life he lived for 80 years.
How many people can say they had such a wonderful journey?