July 15, 2025: The Birthday Ambush

When I woke up, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

One morning years ago, I stepped outside and stood frozen. Our house resembled a Halloween prank on steroids.

Toilet paper clung to tree branches and wrapped around bushes. Two-ply strips dangled from gutters like streamers. Cars slowed down as drivers stared and pointed.

Eventually, we learned Dad’s friends had TP’d our property for his 50th. Although cleaning took several hours, he loved every minute.

Today, we celebrated a different milestone: Dad turned 89.

We mailed him a box of goodies, along with a shiny birthday badge to wear. I wondered if he’d even wear it, thinking he might feel too silly.

But he wore the ribbon proudly, all day long, as a medal of honor. He vowed to save it for next year.

Mission accomplished.

This time, he was decorated instead of the lawn. And no one harmed a single roll of Charmin.

Here’s to at least 89 more years.