“I keep learning.”

I hear that from time to time from my…. now 80-year old father.

It’s among the many cool things about him.  He doesn’t act like a know-it-all, although reaching 80 (today is his birthday) with all his marbles should qualify him for honorary “know-it-all” status.  He loves to listen and absorb other people’s stories and experiences.  Now that I think about it, that may explain the healthy 57-year marriage to my mother!

The man still goes to work every morning, at an office building he once owned for decades.  His been in the same space since I can remember.  He loves to putz around on various projects.  One he just completed is sending the Kankakee Regional Airport a file of newspaper clippings and photos.  The small Illinois airstrip is ramping up a historical display and Dad has saved mementos from when he was a kid and his father flew in and out of there.

Among my own special pleasures is to have my home mail sprinkled with articles, letters and books from Dad.  He recently sent me a book written about the Notre Dame’s 1966 National Championship season.  I’m currently devouring.  Every time I see that the mail includes his handwriting on the front, I know it’s going to be a little nugget of family history.

So thanks to my Dad’s life long organization, and the ability to save so many things (because his office is attached to a warehouse),

I keep learning too.

Happy 80th Dad.

If you are a wee bit curious about Dad, check out www.jerryhammes.com