A Tale of Two Birthdays

Last year I had a glorious vacation planned to celebrate my 50th birthday. On the Wednesday before, I ended up having gallbladder surgery. I won’t deny the sadness of it all, but we rescheduled, thinking that THIS year we’d celebrate as if it were 50 all over again. Guess what? Last Thursday (the Thursday before my birthday) I broke my ankle. As I drove myself to the emergency room, I called Annie. I tried not to cry, but I couldn’t keep the tears from coming. Somehow I knew that our plans were foiled once again.

People have been telling me this must be for a purpose. Even if I believe that everything happens for a purpose, how can this make any difference in the way I feel? Not only can’t I go as planned, but I’m basically dependant on others for at least the next 2 weeks until I can put any weight on that foot. Right now I’m hobbling back and forth in a walker. I’m thankful for whatever upper arm strength I do have, but those muscles are sore just the same.

We rescheduled for May 5th.
I’m not going to turn 50 anymore. I just need a vacation.

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March 8, 2005

Losses sometimes seem to come out of nowhere. One may argue for and against the idea that everything that happens to one is for a purpose; however, that changes very little one’s feelings of loss. Losses grant us all the right to mourn a little, or a lot in some cases. I sympathize with your lost opportunities to mark for birthday, a seeming transition time for pretty much anyone. (c)

March 8, 2005

I am myself trying to figure out a way to get back to Oregon (from NY) next month to help my best friend celebrate his 50th birthday. I know it will be a terrible shame if I miss it. Meanwhile, please let me extend to you well wishes for your birthday, along with my wishes for your speedy recovery from this injury and hopes that your present discomfort decreases rapidly. Regards,

March 8, 2005

My first note above was supposed to read “lost opportunities to mark your birthday” not “lost opportunities to mark for birthday”. I need to a better job of checking my spelling errors before I push enter.

March 8, 2005

Damn it! I’m so sorry, little one. Wishing you a quick recovery. Considering all you have overcome, a broken ankle won’t keep you down for long. Hugs,

March 8, 2005

So….why aren’t you supposed to go? That’s what would cross my mind! I hope you get to feeling better really really soon and you’re hobbling off to vacation even sooner!

March 8, 2005

Aloha… Auwe…! Gee… I sure am sorry about your ankle… Re the book: because I am estranged from my dad… and he is the one who has the book… I am waiting until my eldest daughter visits him next week… she will call me with the title… and I will call you… (I really haven’t forgot)… Aloha oe…………………..

March 8, 2005

{{{{{{{BBe}}}}}}}, You’ve had your share of life’s misfortunes. Damn the obstacles, have a birthday bash anyway!

March 8, 2005

Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry. Some whacko shrink might wonder if you were subconsciously feeling unworthy of a birthday vacation. 🙁 You will heal and you WILL get your vacation and appreciate it at least twice as much after yet another disappointment. Happy Birthday ANYway! Love you,

March 8, 2005

That’s IT! I am never turning 50. Really, it’s got to get better, right? So sorry about your foot. Man, that smarts!

March 8, 2005

Oh, and Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!

March 9, 2005

I imagine that the people who missed their flights on 9/11 felt at first as you do now and only felt better later. Things happen and we never understand what God’s plan is for us.

im so sorry to hear about your ankle. hope it mends quickly and its not too painful and inconvenient. have a good relaxing break when it does come around. take care. xx

March 14, 2005

ryn: Sorry! I guess it was. Didn’t mean to, and somone else called my attention to it. It’s all better now.

March 16, 2005

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR ANKLE….HOPE YOU ARE ON THE MEND SOON. BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY ST. PADDY’S DAY ! THOUGHTS & SMILES,

March 17, 2005

RYN: Of COURSE you’re right…she picked him up. AK!

March 19, 2005

How about celebrating your UNbirthday. That’ll fool em.

April 18, 2005

I always think big things like that come in three’s, so I’d be sitting w/my leg up on a chair, waiting for the third shoe to drop! But, I hope it drops before your next b’day, so you can enjoy a 50th b’day. then! 🙂 Good luck!