In the dream on this early August morning of his birthday, Dad was standing next to the water. Smile beaming. He was younger than I am now and he was looking both straight at me and also off in the distance. I was astounded at how close he was. As if I could almost touch him.
He was still smiling when I woke up in the summer darkness and I remembered how when my sister got married and first made the family international, so very long ago, Dad, in the forest green glow after the wedding reception in the backyard of the house said, “I haven’t lost a daughter. I’ve gained a country!”
Now the family spans the globe. From both shores and what’s between the U.S. to Wales, India and South Korea.
And Dad is still out there gaining countries.
As if, like in this video, everyone is included.
Everyone.
Listening along with this music of joy.
As a way to simply say “Happy Birthday!”
And know he is standing there next to the water.
Smile beaming. For all.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbJcQYVtZMo&w=560&h=315]