Between the blog, Facebook, and Instagram, I received hundreds of birthday wishes. My cup runneth over! Truly lovely and deeply appreciated. Thank you. All of that love brought a smile to my face more than once during the course of the day.
The morning was difficult, with tears and sadness. Then I received a birthday call from my dear cousin Eileen. It’s the first time we’d be able to talk, other than via email, since Dad’s death. It was a long, wonderful conversation and by the end, my mood had completely changed. Talking about family and loss and memories with someone you grew up with, someone who shared the same larger-than-life (Eileen’s words and perfect ones at that) family is healing. I felt lighter. It was the best birthday gift.
Then I spoke with Meredith and Little Z and there was more healing. Another wonderful gift.
I took this selfie during the day yesterday.
63.
It is what it is. I took it because I’m wearing a beautiful gray sweater that Don gave me 21 years ago. My first birthday present from him. I still wear it. I still love it.
Don made me a wonderful birthday dinner.
Those are my favorite Crabbiless Crab Cakes. Oh my heavens. Mouth watering good.
And I had birthday cupcakes. And a card from Don and a card from Scout. And a little present. My other birthday present has not arrived yet. I’ll share it with you when it does.
But the thing that Don gave me that moved me beyond words was a birthday card.
From my parents. To their daughter. From Heaven.
I cannot express how beautiful that gesture was. He is a wonderful man and I am blessed.
The end of the day:
I’m not kidding. It was spectacular.
Thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes. Thank you for being there.
Happy Sunday.