Celebrating Life - Happy Birthday, Mom
This past year birthdays and holidays have been more important than ever. When we learned about mom's cancer we had just celebrated her 55th birthday. Honestly, one of the scariest parts of all of this was not knowing if we'd get to celebrate the next one. Heaven knows we had some close calls.
Mom's birthday was August 30th. Sometime in late June I let a spark of hope enter my mind that 56 was possible. She ended up being in the hospital twice in July due to complications from her new medication. She powered through, though, as she always does. Isn't she incredible?!
Beyond the constant annoyance of never feeling truly well, the mental stress of it all, and knowing she's insecure about how illness has changed her appearance I wasn't sure she would be up for the extravaganza I was envisioning. When asked permission to throw her a birthday party and her eyes lit up like child's at Christmas, I knew this party had to happen. Nothing I could put together would ever show this woman how much she is loved and how many people admire her, but seeing her excitement I became determined to do the best I could to show her how much she means to me, her family, and friends.
Josh being the wonderful, gracious man he is agreed to host and grill for all of our guests. And being the wonderful people they are I knew our family and friends would be more than willing to help. I set up a Facebook event and got to work on making this an evening my mom would never forget. Within a day of asking for sides, drinks, utensils, etc. countless people had volunteered to help, and I knew this party would turn out to be everything I hoped. So, now for the good part: pictures.
To start we needed lots of decorations and lots of food. We decided hotdogs and hamburgers would be the easiest thing to make in bulk, and Josh did an excellent job grilling them! For dessert: an ice cream bar. Yum! I got some adorable tablecloths on clearance at target, happy birthday confetti from Michaels, and even our own personal helium tank for balloons!!
Grandma got mom a corsage to wear. It was adorable!
We had a great turnout - over 40 people came to celebrate mom's life!!
And, even though we said no gifts, generosity was showered on mom.
Julie was even kind enough to take some family photos for us! (Check out Julie Hills Photography for some seriously beautiful maternity, baby, and family pictures.)
All in all the party was a huge success. Mom had a blast catching up with family and friends she hadn't seen in a good while. Laughter and love was shared by all. It was beautiful. She is beautiful.
Happy birthday, Mom! I love you!
Mom's birthday was August 30th. Sometime in late June I let a spark of hope enter my mind that 56 was possible. She ended up being in the hospital twice in July due to complications from her new medication. She powered through, though, as she always does. Isn't she incredible?!
Beyond the constant annoyance of never feeling truly well, the mental stress of it all, and knowing she's insecure about how illness has changed her appearance I wasn't sure she would be up for the extravaganza I was envisioning. When asked permission to throw her a birthday party and her eyes lit up like child's at Christmas, I knew this party had to happen. Nothing I could put together would ever show this woman how much she is loved and how many people admire her, but seeing her excitement I became determined to do the best I could to show her how much she means to me, her family, and friends.
Josh being the wonderful, gracious man he is agreed to host and grill for all of our guests. And being the wonderful people they are I knew our family and friends would be more than willing to help. I set up a Facebook event and got to work on making this an evening my mom would never forget. Within a day of asking for sides, drinks, utensils, etc. countless people had volunteered to help, and I knew this party would turn out to be everything I hoped. So, now for the good part: pictures.
To start we needed lots of decorations and lots of food. We decided hotdogs and hamburgers would be the easiest thing to make in bulk, and Josh did an excellent job grilling them! For dessert: an ice cream bar. Yum! I got some adorable tablecloths on clearance at target, happy birthday confetti from Michaels, and even our own personal helium tank for balloons!!
Grandma got mom a corsage to wear. It was adorable!
We had a great turnout - over 40 people came to celebrate mom's life!!
And, even though we said no gifts, generosity was showered on mom.
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All in all the party was a huge success. Mom had a blast catching up with family and friends she hadn't seen in a good while. Laughter and love was shared by all. It was beautiful. She is beautiful.
Happy birthday, Mom! I love you!
I am amazed, impressed, and so proud of how YOU especially Paige, and Josh, Aubrey and Connor have taken care of your mother since she began this ordeal. Your Blissful Medley...brought tears to my eyes. There is NO ONE who could have, or can, take better care of your mother, than you. I truly love all of you, and I thank you from the bottom of my ❤ for letting us be part of bringing your mother a day of happiness! Aunt Susan
ReplyDeleteI am amazed, impressed, and so proud of how YOU especially Paige, and Josh, Aubrey and Connor have taken care of your mother since she began this ordeal. Your Blissful Medley...brought tears to my eyes. There is NO ONE who could have, or can, take better care of your mother, than you. I truly love all of you, and I thank you from the bottom of my ❤ for letting us be part of bringing your mother a day of happiness! Aunt Susan
ReplyDeleteWonderful post of an incredible evening of fun.
ReplyDelete