I remember the last birthday you were with us like it was
yesterday. You didn’t know it yet but it was going to be an unforgettable day!
When our neighbor asked what you had planned you said “Nothing much, I am
having lunch with Marla and Cynthia and might go out to dinner with my family
tonight.” Little did you know your “lunch” was actually a party with dozens of
people who loved you waiting to surprise you and show you just how loved you
were.
I remember taking Ben with me to go pick up eclairs for the
party and I was going to drop him off but you were standing outside talking to
the neighbor and I panicked because I knew you would ask why I had several
dozen eclairs in the back seat so to throw off suspicion I just drove by and
waved… which really added suspicion instead.
I remember helping plan two big surprises for you that day.
The first would be the party, the second would be Dad’s gift to you. You
thought he went on a business trip the previous week, but instead he had flown
up to Puyallup, Washington to drive a sporty little Mazda Miata home that was
the same color as the Mazda RX7 you had when you were single.
The party was an unbelievable success, you hadn’t suspected
a thing. You talked, smiled, ate, and laughed surrounded by friends. Everyone
sang “You’ve got a Friend in Me” and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. As we
left you said “Days don’t get better than this.” Dad, Ben, and I smiled at each
other knowing the day would get even better in just a few minutes.
Dad had parked your new car where he knew you would see it.
As we walked by Dad pointed out “What a cute car! A hard top convertible and it’s
in the same color as your little Mazda you had! Ya know, if I could find one of
these I would buy it for you.” You laughed and said “I don’t think that would
be very practical.” That is when Dad pulled out the key and handed it to you.
When the initial shock wore off you laughed and the two of you took the car for
a spin.
We had no idea on that happy, happy day how heartbroken we
would be just one month later when you left this earth. I think about you every
day. Today the weather is gloomy and rainy, and while it seems fitting because my
eyes have had their own steady stream of tears today, I wish today had “glorious”
weather in honor of you. Happy Birthday, Mom.
