the old man

[kirkcudbright]

Today is my dad's 80th birthday. One of my brothers has taken the initiative to organize a Family Dinner at the Lord Jeff in Amherst on Saturday. So great, only what do I get (in the next day and a half) for a present?

Comments

[lillibet.livejournal.com]

Well, that depends on what he would like :)

Is there a book he might find interesting, preferably hardcover with lots of nifty photos?

Would he like an offer of a once-a-month outing with you?

How about one of the -of-the-Month clubs? You can get almost anything these days...we gave my FIL the Bacon-of-the-Month Club from Grateful Palate for Christmas.

Does he have any mobility impairment? Is there something you could get him that would improve his life substantially? A swivel-seat for the car, maybe?

Since I don't know your dad, it's hard to say, but there are some ideas to get your mind stirring. Congratulations to him and to you for having the opportunity to enjoy him so long into your own life.

[kirkcudbright.livejournal.com]

Is there a book he might find interesting, preferably hardcover with lots of nifty photos?

Well, last xmas I made a book of my bike trip across the UK, with lots of nifty photos, but you're right, I should should check the bookstores.

Would he like an offer of a once-a-month outing with you?

I think he'd drop dead of shock to see me that often (and I'm only 2 hours away).

How about one of the -of-the-Month clubs? You can get almost anything these days...we gave my FIL the Bacon-of-the-Month Club from Grateful Palate for Christmas.

At this moment, Francie was reading email about Bacon-Flavored Vodka. But my dad doesn't do the hard stuff at all.

Does he have any mobility impairment? Is there something you could get him that would improve his life substantially? A swivel-seat for the car, maybe?

Actually, he's surprisingly spry for 80. He bought a new bike at 75, and started biking the local rail trail. He's still working, still seeing patients (he's a pediatrician). Of course, his dad (likewise a pediatrician) was seeing patients until the day he died at age 85. But I'd like my dad to go a little longer, and actually retire.

Thanks for the feedback. My grandparents were all dead by the time I graduated high school, so this is uncharted territory for me as an adult.

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

"Actually, he's surprisingly spry for 80. He bought a new bike at 75, and started biking the local rail trail."

Get him a GPS for his bike?

Get him 80 of something. Books, bouncing balls, finger puppets, birthday cards, ...

[lyonesse.livejournal.com]

a family picture usually goes over well.

[awfief.livejournal.com]

well, you have more time right now. spend some more time with him. especially with his granddaughter. Would he enjoy horse time? something you make for him? More phone calls? honestly, the best present you can get for him is to show up to the dinner with your family.