Sunday, November 23, 2008

I wish it wasn't like this

Yesterday, after we had dinner and birthday cake, my sister's family went home and my mom and I were alone together in her living room, just gabbing. At the top of the hour she used her Advair Inhaler.

She was very matter-of-fact about the procedure, but her hands shook and she looked so old. That hospital stay earlier this year took so much out of her. It makes me sad.

Happy Birthday to me, pt. 4

My friend Kathy took me out for a birthday breakfast at my favorite coffee shop. I had the 2x2x2 (2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 strips of bacon and 2 sausages). She had grits. We both had orange juice. Most of all, it was good to see here again. Her life has been tumultuous (losing her job, losing her health insurance, losing her apartment, losing her cats, moving in with her daughter's family -- who are also on the verge of eviction) and she's been out of touch. I'm thrilled that she remembered my birthday with all that she has going on in her life. I'm relieved that she's OK, and working with her kids to get back on her feet.

I also went through my mail and found a birthday card from Mary Sharon, a neighbor from my high school days. She was friends with my mother and I babysat her kids. (The oldest just turned 46!) She remembers my birthday (and my exact age) every year. This also means a lot to me.

Have I mentioned that I love my birthday?