Only 1.6% of people born in 1923 make it to be 90 years old. Of course, this guy is Norwegian and might be given a slightly higher life expectancy because of all of the pickled herring and cod liver oil he has ingested (and enjoyed!) over the years. Still, it is quite a statistic. Consider that he was born in an era with no antibiotics in the middle of a tuberculosis epidemic. There was no electricity, no refrigeration, and definitely no indoor plumbing. He also survived the depression and one world war in northern Europe.
As the oldest of 9 children, he spent his youth helping his siblings forge better lives for themselves before carving out his own path and eventually landing in sunny Santa Barbara 50 years ago. Not a bad place to spend the latter half of life!
All in all, it sounds like a great excuse for a birthday party to me!
The immediate family all joined up in Santa Barbara to celebrate. Including ALL of his grandchildren (3), who he is quick to take delight in.
The significance may have been lost on the littlest granddaughters, but I am sure they will learn to one day appreciate the experience of their elders.
The good news is that Opa apparently still has his sense of humor,
And much to Annike's dismay, did not need help blowing out the candles.
We love you, Opa! We can't wish you another happy 90 years, but we can wish you a peaceful, healthy, joy-filled life and great purpose in the remaining years that God has for you.
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