Make an Old Rodder's 65th B-Day Special!!!

10 years ago, my father was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. In January of 1998, he underwent brain surgery at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. The Chief Neurosurgeon opened his head, took a sample of the tumor, and closed him up. He said the tumor was inoperable, and that Dad would live between 6 weeks and 6 months. When he was still in the hospital recovering, Pops said to me, "Take me somewhere else."

I got on the internet, and found a hospital where the doctors were on the leading edge of brain tumor surgical techniques. A month later Dad underwent a second operation at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. This time, the doctor there operated on Dad with technique that they had just begun using, and he was able to remove 98% of the tumor. The doctors there were optomistic about Pop's chances, but never in our wildest dreams did we expect that he would survive as long as he has.

At the time Dad underwent surgery, life expectancies for his type of tumor were limited to a few years at best. The doctors at M.D. Anderson are still treating him, and have given him the nickname "Miracle Man." Although his mobility and ability to communicate are limited because of the effects of the radiation therapy (an effect on the brain called Radiation Dementia that was unknown at the time) he is still alive and kicking. For a few years he was able to do pretty much anything he wanted (within limits) and really enjoyed being my pit help at the races, or scouring the local swap meets. Unfortunately, he's gotten weaker over the years and can't get out like he used to.

Although he can't drive and must use a walker or wheelchair to get around, he still likes to get out with me and "help" work on bikes or cars when he's up to it. Sometimes we just go ride around in the country and look for old cars. For a few years we would scour the backwoods of Oklahoma looking for the place where the guy he sold his first car (a Model A coupe with a 283/3 speed) to lived. Those days are few and far between anymore because of his weakness, and we never did find it.

Dad's 65th birthday is coming up on February 12th, and the 10th anniversary of his surgery is the 10th. My mom has put out an email to all her contacts, and sent word to all Dad's friends in the hope that he will get 65 birthday cards by his birthday. Dad really loves it when I bring him car, bike, or 4WD magazines, and I though I'd ask for all you HAMBer's help in making his 65th B-day something extra special. If you want to participate, send him a card, a pic of your hot rod (Model A's especially), or a magazine you're done reading.

His address is:
Frank Bowers
4413 Augusta Circle
Sherman, TX 75092

Thanks to all!

 

"Happy Birthday Dad"

 

I dont get it???

 

Sorry-somehow posted before I was ready...edited the post so it hopefully make sense now.

 

My Pop's second car, the one he bought after selling the A, was a 57 Chevy 2-door hardtop. This would have been around 1961 or 1962. He used to tell stories about street racing with the other rodders. His 57 was also a 283 with a 3-speed. He said the only car in his stomping grounds that ever beat his 57 was an Impala with with a dual-quad intake and a 4- speed.

 

Forgive me for bumping this, but it's looking like Pop's not gonna get 65 cards, so I thought I'd try to bring it back to the top in a last-ditch effort to make the goal. I honestly thought there would be more positive responses from the HAMBers than the other sites I've posted this on. I guess all I can hope for is that people here on the HAMB have sent a card but didn't post. If you did send one, I thank you very much.

 

Count me in. Card will mail tonight.
You are a good son......

 

ill get one out this weekend

 

Will send one tomorrow. Just saw post. Thanks, BOBBY FORD

 

btt

 

Thanks everyone. Tomorrow is pretty much it as far a getting 65 cards in the mail before his birthday. I know there are several in the mail already...I'll call Mom in the a.m. and ask what the "official" count is and post it first thing.

 

ill put one in the mail tomorow, any particular mag he likes?

 

late on this......sorry.....

but wish "Dad" a..........

Happy Birthday

 

Well I missed the Birthday card list so.......Happy Birtday Frank.....Your first copy of your next Years Subscription to THE RODDERS JOURNAL shall arrive shortly....Please Enjoy and Have a Wonderful Birthday!
Kindest Regards Scootersnpie

 

Just read this post.
Too late to send a card from here.
No email address to send an ecard to.
No pictures of my truck. It's all parts right now.
So...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Miracle Man!

 

Greetings from Long Branch,NJ,Americas first seashore resort and 7 time US summer capital- just saw the post-HAPPY BIRTHDAY -from a guy who has had a '31 A for too many years and it aint done yet!
I'll get out a card this weekend.
Lee

 

I just talked to Mom, and Pop has gotten a HUGE kick out of the cards, letters, and magazines he's gotten so far. Mom has been keeping a diary of his responses when he opens them, and I'll share some of them with the boards in a few days. I'm SO grateful to those of you who have taken the time, effort, and gone to the expense of sending something to someone who you have never met that I can never truly express my thanks to all of you. The "official" card count as of this morning is 39. THANK YOU ALL!!!

 

I'm off to the post office to mail your dad a T-Shirt from Ebbs Speed Shop
www.ebbsspeed.com
I sent an XL, if it's not right let me know.

Happy Birthday Frank!!

 

Racer32, just seen this today. Wish your father a 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' for me. Sounds like he has had a rough time, but sounds like he has fun at the same time.




Good luck and good rodding!!!!!!!

 

It sounds to me like your dad has a pretty special Kid. Its really cool how you seem to put his joy so high on your list. Happy birthday to both of you.

 

been gone a few days,just read this. wish dad a happy one from us.GOD BLESS.

 

"Official" count is now 53 with 2 more mail days to go. You guys are awesome! Thanks to everyone who has jumped on board with all the cool pic's, cards, mags, and other swag. This is going to be a memorable b-day for all of us. Mom said Pop was talking about a pic of a Model A that was sent-He was able to remember that his wasn't chopped, but that it was channelled. He said to Mom, "Mine was tall here (pointed to top) and short here (pointed to bottom)"

 

I did not send card but called today to tell him happy birthday.He was excited, his wife was so thankful. Great older couple who have a really cool son that must truely love his parents to think of such a cool gift to his dad. Take care and be safe Gary

 

I heard you guys talked for quite a while. Pop having a phone conversation with ANYONE is pretty damned amazing. He has a very hard time expressing himself. He can't always remember words and sometimes gets to things in a round-about way, so talking with him requires a great deal of patience and sometimes Mom's help to figure out what he's trying to say. Then there's the fact that he's almost deaf as a result of the radiation. Nevermind the fact that he's had a large part of his brain removed in a section that is reponsible for speech and language.

 

One Last Bump For Frank

 

Happy BD Pops! I'll post a card & hope it gets to TX from MI in time.

Larry

 

best wishes man

happy birthday

good thing man

 

Happy Birthday Frank, enjoy every minute!

 

Mom's church handed her a sack with 22 cards in it yesterday, so our goal of 65 by February 12 has been met!!!! Without the help of a great group of rodders, we wouldn't have made it. Thanks, and God bless everyone who took part in making my dad's 65th birthday something memorable for the whole family.

 

happy 65th birthday frank,hope it is a good one!