Birthday Blessings

Setting the Scene: Early Sunday afternoon – around 2. I have just stepped off the plane, returning from 4 somewhat less than fun-filled days in Tampa. I am tired and looking forward to the comfort of my own home and my own bed. (Notice I didn’t say “peace and quiet”) I take out my phone and dial home.

“Chickie? It’s Me! I’m at the airport – just got off the plane.”

“When will you be home?”

“As long as it takes me to ride the train to where I left the car and then drive home.” Probably about an hour.”

“OK. Hurry up!”

I get on the train and settle in for the 45 minute ride. The train takes off – no zoom-zoom, just clackety-clack. I look around at my fellow passengers and the mostly have their train faces on. The face that says “Don’t look at me, don’t talk to me.” I guess they’re afraid they might find out that some of the bodies on that train are human and possess souls. I settle in to watch the scenery. There’s nothing like watching somewhat dilapidated buildings, tunnels and train stations to make the time fly.

“Ring, ring!”

“Hello”

“Mom? Where are you now?”

“On the train, honey.”

“Hurry up and come home.”

“I can only go as fast as the train, Chickie. It’s not like I can get out and push.”

“Bye”

Then a miracle occurred and I struck up a conversation with two women from a town somewhere in Canada with a population of around 500. They were pretty amazed by Atlanta. While thinking that there are probably more than 500 people in my apartment complex, I gave then directions to the big mall they were looking for. Then some of the other folks around us began to talk. There was an Oncologist, and a businessman and we had a nice chat going when the train stopped and they all got off.

Not to worry – “Ring, ring!!”

“Yes, Chickie?”

“Are you almost home?”

“I’m closer than I was.”

“Hurry home.”

“What’s the rush?”

“Ummm…..we’re invited to a party. Yeah, someone Brian knows is having a party.”

“Who?”

“Never mind – just hurry up and get home!”

Sigh. I settled in for the last few stops…..and began to seriously consider getting back on the Southbound train and heading back to the airport.

Finally – end of the line and my car! It was still there (I had been a wee bit concerned) I settled in and headed for home. Just as I was picking up my phone to call home and say I’d be there in 5 minutes….

“Ring, ring!”

“Hi Honey, I’ll be home in 5 minutes”

“Bye”

I was met at the door by 3 smiling girls and a dog that nearly knocked me over. They were all grabbing my luggage and purse and me…..and the dog was trying to hump my leg. Yes, it’s nice to be loved.

I was dragged into the living room – to see HI MOM spelled out in Crepe paper on the floor and purple Crepe paper and balloons all over the walls. There was more of the same in the dining room and the kitchen. But in the kitchen there was also a purple tablecloth on the table, purple plates, cups, napkins & cutlery. And a cake with a unicorn on it! And presents! And food! There were also 4 beers on the table…..guess they were hoping I would feel in a celebratory AND generous mood. I was thrilled – but not thrilled enough to do anything with the beers but put them back in the fridge.

Those 3 girls had cleaned the apartment and prepared a birthday party for me like I haven’t had in years! I got a fountain for my desk, an adorable stuffed wolf, candles, soaps, books, seashells, a wolf calendar and cards. I loved the cards. They were all signed Daughter #2 or #3 or Your Other Daughter…and they all said “I Love You”. There were cards and presents from kids who weren’t there. It was a wonderful birthday – the best I’ve had in a LONG time. I was surprised and I felt super special. I’m still smiling …and eating cake – it was a really BIG cake! I love those kids – they so sincerely wanted me to have a good birthday – it wasn’t just something they HAD to do….they wanted to do it. If I never have a birthday as good as this one again….it just won’t matter because I have the memory of this one to cherish.

Who says being 43 is a bad thing? And who says today’s kids don’t care about anything but themselves?

Now….pull up a chair – I’ll share my beer with you guys!!!!!!!

Log in to write a note

Happy Day SW!!! May the new year be full of days just like yesterday! Be Well

How special- you and them. Happy, happy!! Now and always. 🙂

Wow, what great girls! I’m smiling just thinking about it, so I would have loved to see your face 🙂 Happy Birthday!

BBe
October 23, 2000

What a nice surprise!!! Your girls sound pretty ok to me. Wanna trade my boys for your girls? 🙂 Happy Belated!!!

What a great day….

how wonderful!! and the beer tastes great! thanks for sharing. happy birthday!

Super!! Happy Birthday!! 😉

October 23, 2000

It’s times like that which they spring upon you, that make all the blood, sweat and tears you shed in raising them all so worthwhile and rewarding. =) Happy B’day SW!

Oooh, beer icky. Got any wine? I’m so delighted to see what a grand time the kids gave you for your birthday! And no, 43 isn’t so bad…it just gets better and better!

October 23, 2000

What a great story!

October 23, 2000

Happy birthday to youHappy birthday to youHappy birthday dear SunshineHappy birthday to you And many more!

Awww *sniff* I never said kids these days are that selfish, mainly because I am one! But I can’t say I’ve ever done that for a parent…good on them! And happy birthday. 🙂

Sounds like you really Had A Happy!! Good for you, aren’t suprises great!?! And you gave me an idea for using a fountain that I bought for my DIL & then found out she had one. I’ll put it on my desk!

so many of my favorite people were born on yr day . HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🙂 . love those kids .

Happy Birthday SW! Hugs,

*****HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!*****

And many happy returns of the day, dear Sunshine! It’s wonderful to be loved and appreciated. Re: your note, when you tell True Believers that you are spiritual, they reply, “But are you saved?”

Who says you don’t deserve it! I think you must be something special!!!! Happy Birthday! 🙂

May you live a hundred yearsMay you drink a hundred beersGet plastered you…..spider…..Happy Birthday to you! That’s the second verse to the Happy B’day song.

I”m so glad you liked your birthday entry. I tried to place a much sought after bit there, but OD wouldn’t let me save it at all. See ya NOV 12 if yer in town.

Happy Birthday *smile* TEO Unsigned.

Was it a purple cake too? Sorry I missed it , hon. Happy whatever..and there is NOTHING wrong with being 43!!! Hugz

really, your birthday entry should display now! try again! really! 🙂 Love! ribbithead

Thanks for the beer. Sorry we missed each other’s parties – maybe next year! Happy Birthday SW.

October 24, 2000

And had you mentioned it was your b’day when we were chatting, I could have given you a big birthday kiss right then and there. But no. Keep it all a secret. With a polite pat on the hand (and a wink)…

WHat a wonderful welcome home!! So nice to be loved by family and friends:). I’ll skip the beer but a piece of cake sounds nice:). Happy belated birthday!

*laughing* literally. Happy BD SW! you are as old as I’ll be in a few more weeks and a couple of days… you can have my beer, too. enjoy:)

Don’t say I didn’t warn you about that play!

I’m a few days late…but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Those girls were so nice to throw you a party….and thanks for the beer. 🙂 Shalom,

Just what you deserve my sweet. Have a joyous day filled with wonder.

Happy BirthdaY!

Happy birthday. That was very sweet. Teenage girls aren’t normally that thoughtful. You are most definitely loved.

October 26, 2000

Lovely story. Happy Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Egad, could I be a little late to the party or what?? What a great thing for the girlies to do! Happy, happy 43rd, SW! ~:)

HELP!

That sounds like a wonderful party!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! That was so great!! sometimes bairns really are less a curse than a blessiing….quite a wonderful blessing!! That was s truly cool thing that she did, dear lady..you did good.;)

glad you had a good party. i hope you dont smoke.

This is so heartwarming to read, I bet you felt like a million dollar Mum (Mom?) – pass me a beer so I can toast you.

October 28, 2000

Still haven’t sobered up from the party? Come on, now, Sunshine!! With a grin…

@ @,|,,,|,, Belated good Wishes SW. Your ‘daughters’ do sound wonderful and they obviously love their mum very much.

Well happy BDAY to you SW! I’m glad that it was a great one. Now, remember that you were the one to offer me the beer…so, try not to get mad if I start humping your leg! Ok, ok…I’ll show myself to the door!

November 3, 2000

Belated birthday wishes, SW, and may you enjoy many, many more! Funny about talking on a train – all it takes is one person to start and then everyone else remembers that they are members of the human race.

how are you ? and how is your dad ?

Next entry please!

November 4, 2000

That sounds absolutely wonderful! Thank goodness for kidds! Happy BD!

November 9, 2000

Damn! That must have been one hell of a party!!! Ok, we’re waiting…………

WHERE YOU BE? Thinking of you…

thinking of you 🙂

I’m a magic bean buyer, come to sample your wares…. waiting for more. 🙂

Sure is good to hear that there still are great kids like yours. They have been brought up right. Brings back fond memories of some our grand-children gave us.

damn, this entry nearly made me cry!!!!!!!!

Congratulations on a great Bday and excellent daughter(s)…..amazing how much that kind of thoughtfulness can effect us, especially when coming from the offspring no-less!

November 16, 2000

Sunshine, its nearing the 30 days no activity rule, and diary is subject to the archive.

Mns
November 16, 2000

I’m few more than a few days late, but the greetings are just as sincere. Happy, happy, B-day, SW~

I got back just in time, Happy birthday dear friend!

::pokepoke:: Hey, Lady! ::prodprod:: You still in there? ::snuffles at the door:: Hey?XOXO

Happy birthday. You are still a spring chicken. Kids can be fantastic.

November 22, 2000

Staring pointedly around at the lack of a new entry though you are bold in my list. Gotta love private entries, dear SW. With a smile…

Yup. You were in bold on my list, too. I was so excited. Now … pooey! I hope all is well with you and your family, wolfie. Happy Thanksgiving. XOXO

At least we know you still remember your password. *hugs* Happy Turkey Day

Well, I saw your name in bold and I thought, “good, now I don’t have to send her a nasty email!” but you aren’t here. You have a lot of people that care for you…hope everything is okay…thinking of you.

Gonna jump on the bandwagon here ,SW, and say we’re missing ya! Hurry back please, we want to know that everything is ok. Hugz

I detect the scent of a private entry…leave something for us to read soon!

I have gone full circle….

Our lives have some parallels, but maybe we all have something in common. Happy Thanksgiving!

That makes up for all the hormones and raids on the refrigerator! Happy Birthday! Wasn’t the weather nice in Tampa last week?

Howdy SW. Just thought that I would stop by and say hello and see how things are going with you. Hope all is well with you and yours. Take care.

thinking of you

A very belated happy birthday!