A sad day and a birthday do-over.

We've had some special family birthdays recently. My oldest son turned 21 at Christmas time, my grandmother celebrated her 91st birthday two weeks ago and this week my niece turned 15. My hubby also had his special day amidst all the others.

Unfortunately it was also a sad time along with the good. Our cocker spaniel Boo had been slowing down the last few weeks. At the age of 15 that was expected but except for his weakening eyesight and becoming hard of hearing he was always so spry. He really started to fail quickly two weeks ago and I played round-the-clock nurse maid. I slept on the couch next to his blanket/bed in the family room for four nights. I would think it was his last day and then he would rally back and be more like himself. One day there was no rallying back and it just happened to be on hubby's birthday. We just kept Boo comfortable and loved him up until it was over. Even the other two dogs knew what was happening. I've buried a lot of pets over the years and it never, ever gets easier. Of course I bawled like a baby but my guys all rallied around me. (Probably because they can't stand to see a woman cry.)

So happy birthday to my family, especially to my hubby. I'm sorry it wasn't the happiest day and I was so distracted but thank you for understanding. And I promise there will be a birthday do-over. Although he never complained it's just not right for such a special guy to go without one day that's all about him. He's very, very deserving.

Special Days, Special People

We had such a busy weekend! We had a birthday party for my grandmother who turned 90 on Sunday! Ninety years old! I find that so amazing and inspiring. We have very strong women in our family who have been through hard times and she is definitely one of them. Both of my grandmothers are widowed and are now 90 (and still live in their own homes). My great-grandmother lived to the age of 92. My mother, who is another great inspiration, hosted the party at her house and we had many extended family members and friends who showed up as a surprise for grandma. It was very personal and my mom had asked everyone in advance to send or bring something they would like to share. She put together a touching scrapbook that was made up of pages that we all had worked on individually for a month. It was made up of cards, letters, pictures drawn by the little kids, photos, memories...It was the perfect gift. It was a long afternoon but it was a joy to see my grandma the center of attention. She deserved it.


The next day was my poor husband's birthday. No party for him! We are partied out. The poor guy. We will have a special dinner later in the week. It takes longer to round up the kids now that they have lives of their own. Two are in college but they are close by. Besides, they would never pass up a chance at a free dinner, especially if we go out to eat. My husband is very patient and kind and never asks for anything. We may not be able to spend lots of money for gifts but he does deserve special recognition for being a great guy. We'll find someplace cheap, er, inexpensive and embarrass him when the waiters sing to him while carrying out a flaming cupcake, just because we love him. It's the celebration that counts. I'm very lucky to have the family I do. They are the best. Now that this round of birthdays are over I have a week or two until the next flurry starts. If I hurry I might get to read a book!

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**Special Note**

Thursdays Thoughts : Celebrating Your Family's Best.

Share who is your family's oldest member and what makes them special for a chance to win Breathing Out the Ghost by Kirk Curnutt. Use the link for all of the rules on how to enter. Hurry, the contest ends 1/29/09!