There is an old saying that is appropriate as I reflect on Mom’s 89th birthday; the first since her death on December 18th.
“Angels danced the day you were born”.
Yes, they did. And I can’t help but believe that they also danced the day she died in celebration of a life very well lived.
Last year we had a surprise birthday party for Mom at Imperial Gardens. I remember the night as if it was yesterday. Bruce and I picked her up at Attic Angels. We told her that we were meeting Gary and Brian for dinner.
She was surprised and delighted at the party. We had just learned of the cancer and this celebration was bittersweet for all of us—-with the exception of Mom. She simply delighted in the evening and on the way home after the celebration she turned to me and and said “This was the best birthday I’ve ever had”.
Mom was always a late night person, and I always called her right before midnight to wish her happy birthday one more time. Last year we dropped her off at Attic Angels and spent some time with her while she got ready for bed. Bruce and I got home around 10:15 and at 11:00 p.m., I picked up the phone and called her to wish her happy birthday one last time. She told me that she was “just sitting and thinking about what a wonderful birthday she had”. The “best ever” she told me once again.
We should all be blessed with our last birthday being our best.
Happy birthday, Mom. I love you and miss you.