09/21/2026
He is 98 years old today, and he has no family left to celebrate with.
It is hard to imagine what it feels like to reach that age. He has outlived every single person who knew him when he was young. Every friend from his school days is gone. The people who saw him grow up are gone. His brothers and sisters are gone too.
He served in the U.S. Army a lifetime ago. Now he spends his days in a quiet house with his memories. He sits in a chair near a wooden front door that has not been knocked on in eleven days. The only sound in his living room is the ticking of the wall clock.
Please play the video again. Look closely at his face just before he asks the question. You can see the small tilt of his head and the way his eyes look down for a split second. It is hard to ask when you are lonely.
He does not want gifts or a party. He just wants the simple recognition that we all hope for on our special day. He wants to know that someone is listening.
Please leave a comment below to wish him a happy birthday. Say thank you in your own words. 🫡