Not Your Typical Ninety-Six Year Old

Wow! Mom hit paydirt this birthday. I am so happy for her! It started at the end of Mass on Sunday, when the organist, Dolores, asked her to tell everyone how old she was going to be. After Mom announced that she would be 96, there were audible gasps of surprise and then everyone broke into applause before singing Happy Birthday to her. She was pleased at the attention and I was thankful that they all responded so warmly.

Today she was inundated throughout the day with more nice surprises. Cards, phone calls, flowers, and emails came from many family members, including grands and great grands. Two ladies from church, Helen and Della, also sent handmade cards, and Dorothy stopped in with a card and a loaf of bread still hot from her oven. It is so nice that the people here have embraced Mom. I know sometimes she feels left out because she can't do things to help and has trouble hearing in a crowd, but this effort by everyone reassures her that she is still cherished.

For our part, we catered her dinner wishes of meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, Dorothy's bread, corn, and cheesecake for dessert with a later dish of homemade ice cream on the side. I broke my new red glazed stoneware dish in the process and served a slightly dry meatloaf, but she forgave me as she always does. Thanks to everyone for sending her your love and thanks be to God for her kind heart, good health, sharp mind, and young spirit.

Here's Mom with a new bathrobe and an Amarylis Don picked out for her. They are fun to watch grow and so beautiful when they flower. Happy Birthday, Mom. We all love you!