Melancholy Celebration

Tonight my sisters and I are going out to dinner to celebrate my Mom's 89th birthday. Mom will only be there in spirit, but we figured she deserved a party, so we're having one. It will be a melancholy gathering, as are all "big days" during this first year without Mom.

We'll go to one of her favorite restuarants and think of her. We'll order one of her usual picks on the menu and think of her. We'll sing "Happy Birthday" and think of her. But mostly we'll just miss her and wish she was there with us making some funny remark about being another year older.

If you still have your mother, take her out to dinner on her birthday and give her lots of hugs. That's what we wish we could do today.

Happy Birthday, Mom! Are you and Dad going dancing tonight?

Love you always,
Jolyn