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.
That is because you are spectacular. And you look younger than me, remember that!
Meredith
No, I don’t!! You are eternally beautiful, my sister. I love you.
Don is a keeper, Claudia. I’m glad you had a nice birthday. I’m going to go find tissues now. Don’s fault!
Hugs to all,
Deb
It’s always Don’s fault, Debbie!
I am so happy you had a good day, wait a GREAT day!! That Don, he is a really special man and just right for a really special lady. Love to all of you on this beautiful day. I am feeling better (finally) and going to meet my family at church this morning. I have much to be thankful for myself.
hugs,
Linda
I’m so happy to hear you’re feeling better today, Linda! Enjoy your day with your family.xo
I’m so happy that your special day was just that – so SPECIAL!
Here’s to many more – and I hope the beautiful sweater is there for each one – how can Don top that lovely gift from long ago!!!
Hugs – keep enjoying the birthday glow all weekend.
Love, Mary
Thank you, Mary. We’ve declared the weekend to be the birthday weekend!
Your Don sounds like a special guy! I hope your enjoy your birthday & the coming year!
He is. Thank you, Debbie.
I’m so glad you had a wonderful birthday!
Thank you, Kathy!
Claudia, I am sending belated wishes. I loved your post. Don sounds like a loving gentle man. Blessings for a great week. xoxo, Susie
Thank you, Susie.
So glad you had a wonderful birthday! Are you going to post the recipe (or link) to those Crabless Crab Cakes? Your birthday dinner looks amazing!!
It’s not really my recipe – it’s from a published book and I always feel it isn’t right to post recipes without permission, Kathy.
So glad you had a good day. Belated birthday greetings. I was out of town. Sounds like you had a wonderful day. I still miss my Mom and Dad because I always sent them flowers on my birthday thanking them for being such awesome parents. Its been years since they left and I still think about sending them flowers on my birthday. I don’t think you ever get over that hole in your heart.
Love,
Judy
No, I don’t think you ever do. Thank you, Judy.
How could that guy know that the color of that sweater would be perfect with your hair and your rosy cheeks on your future birthday? Genius!
The vegetarian magazine I headed a few years ago ran a recipe for crabless cakes…made with tofu and other good things. Is yours tofu based? Maybe you’ll post your recipe one day?
Yes, I look better in it now than I did at the time he gave it to me. That’s what having gray hair will do for you!
It’s not my recipe – it’s from a book of recipes by Deirdre Imus. I don’t think there is any tofu in it. I don’t feel right posting a recipe without permission (we bought the book long ago because it’s filled with vegetarian recipes.)
Thanks for the info on the recipe. I found it in several places online and so now your readers can, too. I’m sure that with Dierdre Imus, as with most recipe developers, it’s okay to mention…just be sure to credit the author.
The reason I wouldn’t share it here is that the recipe was part of a collection of recipes published in a book and the proceeds from that book went to Imus Ranch, a place for kids to go who are ill. If I publish it for free, it’s taking money away from the cause. I have no idea, however, whether the book is still in print. Anyway, that was my reason. I’m glad you were able to find it.
Claudia, so glad to hear you found a little island of Happy in the vast sea of Sad surrounding you right now – I hope you get a few days there to recoup and re-charge a bit. Your birthday dinner looked delicious too [and PS – what pretty china]. There really is no end to Don’s talents, is there? What a guy. A thoughtful, loving husband who can act? And sing? And cook? Now I’m thinking that you must have done something flat-out heroic in a past life – like Miep Gies. Hidden Jews in your basement or barn in the French countryside maybe? And are now being rewarded – in THIS life – for your heroism. ?
Well…I’m a really nice person. And I’m funny and kind and talented. Isn’t that enough?
How special that card must be, from your parents, via Don. You are truly loved, Claudia. And I know you cherish that, and appreciate your shower of blessings without taking any for granted.
I do, Wendy. I never take it for granted.
The dinner looks delicious, but I think that card from heaven is the sweetest thing ever! What a sweetheart of a husband! The sweater is a classic and shows his great taste, which is no surprise — look at the lovely lady he married. Glad your day was good.
The card really surprised me and I just dissolved when I read it. He is a sweetheart, for sure, Dottie.
Wow, do you have a man worth holding onto! And he cooks! You hit the jackpot. But of course he also feels the same way about you.
We both know how fortunate we are, Vicki.
I’m so happy your day was a good one. And Don sure sounds like a real keeper! :-).
Blessings,
Betsy
He is, Betsy, he is.
I am glad that you enjoyed your day Claudia, and can I just say that you wear 63 very well.
Some days I do…others…not so well!
It is so good to see such a pretty smile on your face Claudia..I knew that Don and Scout would make it a lovely and loving day for you…I don’t know what is in the crab-less crab cakes..but they look yummy..also love sweet potatoes and asparagus…and a card from Mom & Dad from heaven…what a sweet sweet thing…bless the three of you…Hugs to all..
Thank you so much, Nancy!
I am so happy that you had a good day. And conversations with someone who has shared your life from the beginning are so very special. And adding Little Z is the cherry on top! Don is a wonder. It was certainly a magic moment when the 2 of you found each other.
After my Mom died (my Dad had died (about 4 years before my Mom) a good friend told me 2 things: 1) when a cardinal comes to visit, it is a lost one coming to see you. (now I always have a conversation when they stop by at the feeders!!) and 2) when you find a feather in your yard it is a loved one telling you that they are/or were there. I hope you remember that when you are out and about in your yard. I think I heard those precious things at the precise moment I truly needed to hear it. It was like a bit of a lifeline for me. I knew they would always be with me through nature in my own yard!
Lovely. I see cardinals fairly frequently and feathers, too. I’ll look at them differently now.
A belated very Happy Birthday to you Claudia!
First time post after reading and loving your blog for about two years.
The card Don gave you from your parents was beyond touching and tear inducing! I have never heard of such a wonderful gift.
You, Don and Scoutie are all very fortunate to have each other.
What a precious family.
Hugs,
Suzanne
Thanks so much for commenting, Suzanne!
As for the card, Don continues to amaze me and this was perhaps the most thoughtful thing he’s ever done for me. Words fail me.
What a wonderful birthday for you. And your husband is a real treasure. Lovely memories for you to carry with you.
Thank you, Janet.
Happy Birthday (a little late – but, I firmly believe that your birthday isn’t truly over until the last card and/or gift is opened). As usual, Don demonstrated just how he maintains his ‘keeper’ title — that’s one sweet guy you have.
P.S. By the way I think you look like your lovely Mom in that picture.
I know. Except for my brown eyes (Dad) and freckles (my aunt) I’m my mother’s daughter. Thank you, Regina Anne.
Happy belated Birthday! I love antiquing as well. No better way to spend the day.