8/8 ~ Dad's 80th Birthday

Hard to believe but on 8/8/13, our Dad turned 80!  To mark the special occasion, we arranged a surprise for his birthday dinner.  We told him we were going to the Signature Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant, where we had gone for Father's Day.  We didn't tell him that joining us there would be four of his oldest friends (both in age and length of time!).  One grew up next door to Dad in Liliha, and they were all friends from their University of Hawaii days, and were active in the Y's Men Club (part of the YMCA).  They were all in each other's weddings (Uncle Jimmy credits Dad with introducing him to his wife, Aunty Gladys, who is Dad's cousin), four of the five bought houses in Kaneohe in the same subdivision, played poker regularly, and our families got together for various occasions, especially New Year's Eve.  Their kids were the same ages as my sister and me so we played with their kids growing up.  These gentlemen were like our uncles.  It's too bad that as the kids grew up, we didn't get together much, and eventually Dad didn't see the guys much either.



I had wanted to do something to celebrate Dad's 80th with a family and friends get-together.  But with Mom gone, I thought it would be nice to have Dad reconnect with his friends in a smaller setting.  I chose the Signature because they have a nice private room where they could talk without a lot of noise (especially since one of the topics that night was what kind of hearing aid everybody had!).

Dad was so surprised!  We led him to the room, and he was wondering why we were telling him to go in when there were people in there, and then he recognized them!

They had a great time reminiscing and talking about what they were doing now.  Some of the guys still get together for poker so hopefully Dad will go with them.  Now they play during the day, so they don't have to drive at night!

Jan and I still remember how they used to come over to our house and play until after midnight, talking and laughing so loud, having a great time!  Jan say she remembers the prime rib cooking in the oven all evening, and the guys having prime rib sandwiches at midnight.  I remember Mom making shrimp toast and all kinds of appetizers for their snacks.

It was a fun evening for all of us.  So glad that Dad is healthy and doing well.  Happy birthday Dad!