GRANDPA GARY TURNS 80. This is a special birthday — so I’ve been thinking all day about what to say. As I pushed the stroller around South End — just me + my pup + my 9 month old son — I scanned the stories + memories of 43 years. All of the sports my dad either coached or watched from the sidelines. All of the rides to my friends’ houses, the trips to camps + concerts + airport pickups... As a new parent, I’m thinking... WOW! There’s a lot to live up to. I remember Dad standing with his newspaper outside the changing room at The GAP, giving me a budget for jeans + sweaters — and then we get to the register and, yikes. We’re over. “Just don’t tell your mom.” I remember sitting at the dentist with my first cavity and — once I saw that HUGE silver shot — I pleaded with him to take me home. Mom was not happy with either of us + quickly found a new dentist. I think back at the hours Dad put into the work week + the commute + how he always managed to give me and my sister his extra time + attention. Especially on weekends. With a few cancer scares behind us, 80 is a number that reminds me how I lucky I am to live close to family. Ashton is growing up getting to know his Grandpa Gary — and even got him to hold him! And I continue to get airport rides. When Dad walks into my apartment he immediately takes the garbage or recycling out + asks if Charlotte needs a walk. I think he’s happiest when he’s most helpful. 🍁🍂🍁 Dad, we may not always say thank you, but we hope you know how much you mean to us. Cheers to the adventures ahead! Love you mucho, Grandpa Gary! Xox, Chris, Charlotte🐶 + Ashton👶🏻 #80thbirthday #mydad #familyfirst