Nate’s

Birthday

8/6/1973   nathan mikael-edward snell

blair community hospital

8/6/ 1976

Nathan got up very early and we stumbled around. I felt good. I hope and believe that I took my final and last test for the ill fated PhD. It was rural sociology class and was given through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This summer, I also taught a summer class at Dana.

We dressed Nate in a stripe short shirt, jeans and tennis shoes. He was so excited, because this is the first year that he really understands what a birthday is. He opened a few presents and we saved the rest for later in the day. Nate was so excited.

When we went to town, we stopped at the supermarket and put Nate on the electric horse. Everytime you put in a quarter, the horse would bounce back and forth for about 3 minutes. We put a lot of quarters in so he really had a chance to see the world.

After we were done, we traveled into Omaha and picked up my mother. The four of us then drove on to Peony Park. It is a beautiful private park with a beautiful pool, a ballroom and outside dance grove with lots of trees. There is also a roller coaster and tons of rides for little kids. We asked Nate if he wanted to drive a little car? He said yes! As he looked at the cars, I wish that I could have taken a picture. He was so elated. He could drive a car!

As he got in, he got a serious look on his face. This is the first time that he had ever driven a car. He picked a red one. The ride started and the little car with Nathan went around and around and around. He was on that ride for a long time.

Jennie was very pregnant, but she took Nate on the roller coaster and was he excited. Finally, the 4 of us ate at Peony Park and headed for Corby Street. At my parents house was Grandma Dode, Dad, and Hazel. We sang happy birthday and had a cake.

Later, we drove over to California Street and visited Dick and Mary, Joey, Marty and Mark. They played with Nate and he got very tired. By this time, he had opened all of his presents and was sleepy. As we drove him home he fell asleep in his safety seat.

At home, it was dark in the cottage, we put him in his bed and told him the “witch ghosts” knew that he had a birthday and would not bother him. TIRED TIGER.

3^rd birthday/August of 73’

* Many of the folks described above are now with the ages. Peony Park was closed and made into condos and a strip mall.

Over the years, Nathan sometimes took the long way home. It was a bumpy road, but he handled it well. He has traveled to Australia and all over the west. He was many things and always left behind many friends and admirers. When the keys were lost he made one little mistake and he is on the road again. There are more sunrises. The west has claimed his soul.

Happy Birthday!

Dad

Life becomes even more precious as you become older. Happy 40! I really enjoyed our Magic Monday at Lake Macbride. You are my hero!

Dad

Call after call. Further, you drove us to Lake Macbride on my birthday. God bless you.

Dad