Go Mommy, It’s your Birthday!

This is the second birthday celebration we haven’t been able to share together. I think last year I was still in a daze, so I think this year has hit me a bit harder. It seems like it has been a lot longer than it really has, and the reality is that this feeling will continue as it really will be more and more time passing.

We were discussing Mommy’s birthday plans in the earlier part of 2012 because she would have turned 60. We talked about a cruise, a party, some sort of gathering…but nothing concrete. I think because she could throw together a knockout bash, it didn’t seem like something that needed a whole lot of planning since I know she was leaning towards the party. Mommy was always down for a big party! Last year we celebrated with cupcakes, I put a cupcake aside for her like she often did for egun, or our ancestors. The girls kept trying to sneak the icing, so I had to move it. This year, my oldest is aware of birthdays and the whole celebration thing so how will this year go. She will ask about visiting Grandma, which she always does when she comes up. I usually just tell her we can’t visit Grandma, but she loves you and protects you. At some point she will probably expect more of an answer, will she want to call her and tell her Happy birthday? Well, we will cross that bridge when we get there. But we will celebrate!

I realize my Mom meant something to a lot of people. She was a friend, sister, second mother, but for everyone, she was an example of courage. She fought hard and was positive the whole time. I remember her stories about her sharing with other women at chemo. She knew all her nurses by name, and was always offering to have them over for a meal.

So to everyone who will be thinking about their dear loved one and friend this October 6th, instead of saying I miss you, which I know I do, say Happy Birthday and set aside a piece of cake or a glass of wine.

Love you Mommy and Happy Birthday!!

Celebrating in October

October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You see tons if pink everywhere. I’m also a fan of donning my pink, not necessarily breast cancer specific, but pink. Nevertheless – while growing up October was birthday month. Not mine, but Mommy’s. She was known to celebrate the whole month, a dinner here, lunch there, all for her birthday!

Well in honor of her and the month, I wanted to bring those who knew her into the discussion. I must say that writing this is very cleansing and maybe it will be for you too. So here are two questions:

1. What did your relationship to Mable mean to you.

2. How did you feel/react when she told you about her breast cancer.

That’s all! Email me at lightningsflower@yahoo.com

I’ll pull it together as part of her birthday celebration this month! And if you prefer to remain anonymous, just put it in your email (though it might be anyhow- haven’t figured out my format yet)

Peace love and laughs!!
Marquex