Happy Lucky Birthday Mom!
Eleven years ago today I was in Michigan staying at the home of one of my brother's in-laws. I had worked the night shift in Dallas, TX the day before so was a bit jet-lagged from the trip, time change, and shift change. My brother Don who lives in Nevada, picked me up late that afternoon and we headed to a little Chinese restaurant in small-town USA, the kind that has a big red plastic happy lucky kitty to greet you at the door. When we went in Mom was seated at a table with all her "local" kids, no doubt wondering why there were a few extra chairs at the tables that had been pushed together.
When she looked at us you could see that it didn't register who we were, like when you see yourself in the mirror and think "who the heck is that - sure looks familiar though". Then it dawned on her that her out of town kids had descended upon west Michigan to celebrate today, her birthday. And through the cries of joy and hugging and laughter we all knew that something very special was happening. We don't celebrate birthdays in our family, so she could not have known that we had been planning this surprise party for her for months.
Nor could we have known that that would be our last chance, since she passed away just a few months later. Happy I'm sure that she got to see 7 out of her 8 kids together for the first time in 15 years. (I'm sure that one that didn't make it regrets it to this day.)
So tonight, as I have every January 14th since, I'm going to celebrate Mom's birthday at a local Chinese restaurant. You know, the one with the big red plastic happy lucky kitty at the door.
When she looked at us you could see that it didn't register who we were, like when you see yourself in the mirror and think "who the heck is that - sure looks familiar though". Then it dawned on her that her out of town kids had descended upon west Michigan to celebrate today, her birthday. And through the cries of joy and hugging and laughter we all knew that something very special was happening. We don't celebrate birthdays in our family, so she could not have known that we had been planning this surprise party for her for months.
Nor could we have known that that would be our last chance, since she passed away just a few months later. Happy I'm sure that she got to see 7 out of her 8 kids together for the first time in 15 years. (I'm sure that one that didn't make it regrets it to this day.)
So tonight, as I have every January 14th since, I'm going to celebrate Mom's birthday at a local Chinese restaurant. You know, the one with the big red plastic happy lucky kitty at the door.
Enjoy tonight. I lost my father almost 12 years ago and my step-father 4 years ago tomorrow. I was luck in that I got to see both just before they passed away.
I think one thing we should take away from this is to cherish our time with family.
My husband and I took a trip out to Niagara Falls in December, primarily for my husband's niece's wedding. while being with his mother she was having some difficulties with her breathing. She refused to go to the doctor as she was flying out to Florida, Jan 2nd. She is 90 years old. She was happy to see her son and to meet me. We have been married for a year and a half, June 30th is 2 years.
Enjoy your memories and cherish them tonight.
Cora
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I am sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I am glad that she got to see the majority of her family. My husband is the 2nd of 6 and all of them have several children. Actually at this point we are working on grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Every year on New Year's Day we all have cakes after dinner (in all of our homes). This cake is to celebrate the lives of those that have gone to the Lord (our belief) before us. It is a celebration cake to remember all of our freinds, relatives, and even pets. To celebrate the time we had with them and to let them know we still love and miss them.
Blessings
Marian
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Drew that was so sweet...I always thought my mom was invincible....and missed calling her one day as she was recuperating after heart trouble...only to find out she had died that day.
Regrets are not good to live with...you were blessed.
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What a very touching story... Happy Birthday to Mom!
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Drew, I'm always touched by the posts about your mom. Enjoy your chinese food tonight... and happy birthday to her!
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I always love your mom posts and your podcast with Craftsanity, where you speak about your relationship with your mom, had me in tears. All moms should be so blessed with such a son. I have 6 kids myself and I am lucky. They do love (put up with?) me. = )
I also lucky in that my parents are still alive but my dad has had a lot of heart issues over the years. He had a heart attack, a stoke and lately has had renal failure. You can tell the man is a tough old bird! He gets around but it's not easy for him. Kinda worried about this latest outcome but all in all my folks are still with us and living with a decent quality of life. I am thankful.
Now about that Chinese restaurant celebration. A very good remedy for the "missing you" blues. May your mom visit you in your dreams this evening.
Pam Murphy
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What a beautiful story! I'm sorry you lost your Mom, but the way you cherish your memories is wonderful!
Happy Lucky Birthday to your Mom!
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Drew, I know that you're mom loved you very much. How could she not, you're such a sweet man. Here's to your mom's memory!
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Sorry, meant "your" mom.
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Awww, what a wonderful story! I'm sure your mom was with you in spirit.
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A very nice post - - one that a Mom would really relate to. Thank you.
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