Celebrate!

I began with the “H” in royal blue across a square of white, my rainbow of classic Crayola markers splayed over the plush burgundy carpet. I smiled, imagining Mom’s delight when she spied it in the morning, my signature, block-bubble letters, surrounded by a wavy, drawn-ribbon border: Happy Birthday!

I taped the poster board in its traditional spot, above the doorway to the dining room, where all the delicious indulgence would occur. Next came assorted balloons with bold red curling ribbons cascading down.

She created them for all of us, a sign for every birthday growing up. I delighted in the task of creating hers.

Mom made birthdays special. For us, that started with a breakfast of our choice. Often, we opted for the usually absent sugar-bomb cereals like Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Puffs, or Lucky Charms. My brother began pushing the envelope with a Belgian waffle Neapolitan ice cream sandwich. Think a huge slab of Neapolitan ice cream smushed between two toasted Belgian waffles, oozing brown, white, and pink goodness.

Though Mom’s much-anticipated gifts reflected her deep knowledge of each child, the thrill was more than the material. It was the experiences with Mom that made birthdays memorable: the day trip to a favorite city for window shopping and treasure hunting, craft fairs galore, lunch out.

Mom celebrates people.

Nine months pregnant, weary to the bone with baby number 3? Mom offers, “Let’s go to your favorite restaurant for a good, hearty meal before baby arrives. You’ll need your energy for labor.”

Hello, Olive Garden’s Stuffed Chicken Marsala.

Each of my children? They rotate spending a weekend at Grammy and Pa’s house each month. It’s a highlight for them.

Whether it’s an art exhibit reception, a new dream endeavor, (starting a blog, ahem…) a graduation, a milestone, or an accomplishment, Mom wouldn’t miss it or the chance to make sure I know: Way to go! I’m proud of you!

She taught me to value people, to reach out in little ways and big ones.

To rejoice in them.

Jumping up and down and squealing in delight encouraged.

(Photo Credit)