1928

1928

by Philip Molestina



I was not surpised when I called my father this morning to wish him a happy 83rd birthday and discovered that he was up already, busy doing a number of things. My father many years ago refused the notion that a number of years would define what he could or couldn’t do.

He would cringe when told that he was afforded certain privileges like preferential seating because of the age bracket he had attained. A number people that have passed into their 8th decade of life would welcome some rest and relaxation but my dad simply does not see why that is necessary.



In his own way of looking at things there is always something that needs to be done. Not that he does not wind down and share a good nap and swim each week at the local Y. But with 7 children, 20 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, it seems there is always something going on.

As some of my siblings, including myself approach and pass into our 50’s ,we have begun to live out our realization that the number of years that we have will not define us either. We have seen with our own eyes the example of a life lived to the fullest. A life that though it has seen many ups and downs, has come out on the other side at times perhaps bruised and scathed but the steady walk continues.

For those of us that ponder at times that we may have not accomplished much in life a simple thought comes to mind; those around us see and observe us at all times. A few years ago I read a high school paper that my nephew wrote about my dad. The paper had to do about his family and I recall clearly a few things he wrote.



My nephew as a young teenager wrote that from his family he learned the value of working hard, finishing school and getting a college education. The words where but a reflection of what my dad had sown into his children and was now being expressed by his grandchildren.

So dad, though we will still all keep on telling you to relax, to get down from the ladder, to close up the garage for the day - to simply just take it easy, we know it will fall on deaf ears. Your just “wired” to run all day and nothing will change that for now.



As long as it is up to you, you will be at upcoming ball games, graduations, baptisms. You will be fixing things at home and any home of your kids and grand kids. You will continue to pray &  worry about all of us from those over 50 to those not even a year old.

Some men leave behind, fortunes, estates, political careers and other forms of notoriety that the world admires. My dads legacy is simple; work hard, study, take hold of every daily opportunity that this country has, trust in God and keep on going.



Happy 83rd birthday dad and thanks for the example you have been to all that have gotten to know you. Your son, Philip.