Happy Birthday, Mommy

December 23rd, 2008.
Christmas Eve Eve.
The 59th birthday of the most important woman in my life: My mom.
Tonight we celebrated the life of my wonderful, amazing mother. Lucky God got to spend her birthday with her in person. Here in Littour Arkansas town, though, we threw a party anyway, even without the guest of honor. It ended up being a very fun and special way to remember my sweet mom.

This afternoon I baked a birthday cake for her, and a special dinner, too. Over dinner, Matt and I shared special memories with the kids of their Grammy. Before she died, she started filling out one of those Grandparent memory books for Snapper. For the first time, I opened it up and read to Snapper about my mom's childhood, and my mom's recollections of Snapper's birth.

After dinner, we lit the candles (18 candles in the shape of a 59), turned the lights off, and sang Happy Birthday to Grammy. Snapper made a wish for Grammy and blew out the candles.



We ate the cake in silence, just remembering. After Pepper was tucked into bed for the night, Snapper and I sat in the big chair in our living room and spent an hour looking at scrapbooks from 1999-2003. Snapper can't get enough stories about her Grammy, and asks me so many great questions about her. Over the Snapper. My goal has been accomplished: Snapper thinks she remembers Grammy. My efforts have created a living picture of my mom in Snapper's mind. She loves her Grammy, and clings to the memories we've created for her.



Happy Birthday, Mom. I wish you could have been here to party with us. Our party would have been considerably more exciting had you been here to spice it up. I hope God is enjoying your presence in Heaven, because we sure do miss you down here. I love you.