Celebrated at my mom's house. My nephew gave me a $10 iTunes card he purchased with his own money. He designed a card for me himself and signed it from himself, Paul (McCartney), Lou (Piniella) and Derrick Lee. He made me a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch and then we had cupcakes and chocolate ice cream. My mom was there but not much of a participant, as she wasn't feeling well. My niece was unable to join us at all because she was sick all day Saturday and had to catch up on her homework.
My mom's house smells overwhelmingly like cat urine, but she doesn't seem to notice. I suppose if it doesn't bother her, it shouldn't bother me.
Oh, and I found out that she and my kid sister decided we're all going to Old Country Buffet this Thursday for Thanksgiving, which is fine except for the fact that I just spent $20 on a Pizza Hut gift card for my sister as a hostess gift. Now what the fuck am I gonna do with it?
Most of all, I'm rattled that neither my sister nor my mother asked how it went with my Aunt Jo. Plus my mom's memory gets worse and worse every time I see her. At least as it relates to my life. Today she admitted she had no recollection whatsoever of my 2-year crush on Bobby Sherman, or how my bedroom door was covered with his pictures and it was the first concert I'd ever attended. She can remember -- and not forgive -- my Aunt Jo for whatever went on before I was born, but things about my life escape her. I know it's not her fault ... she doesn't choose what to forget. But it still hurts.
In short, today's birthday celebration just left me depressed. I'm sorry anyone even bothered. We could have just lumped it in with Thanksgiving like we usually do and let me go a day without taking a bus and a train over and the $20 cab ride back.
Oh well, I'll give my nephew the Pizza Hut card in his Christmas stocking. After all, he enjoys going out to dinner alone with his dad ("Boys night out," he calls it) and this way he can pay. He was adorable today -- that's what I should try to remember. And I'll try to get my mind right in time for Thanksgiving. It just confuses and hurts me that of all the people who think I'm special and worth celebrating, my immediate family is not among them.
I can feel your heartache through your words and know I'd feel the same.
ReplyDeleteBut honey, you are just going to have to accept that things change, people change (and forget - it's aging rather than "you're not important enough to remember") and bask in the love of those who so willingly give it to you. (Your sweet nephew who clearly GETS you, for one.)
There is such a big myth of family get-togethers and all it's supposed to represent that it sucks when our very own reality doesn't match that. I know it.
But you have lots of love coming from way out here and not surprisingly, you hold a very special place in my heart. If I were there, I'd be tooting horns and waving (cubbie blue) flags in your honor. You rock. For reals.
Much love on your birthday, Gal.
You are pretty lucky to have your niece and nephew though. Your nephew kind of reminds me of my little brother when he was a kid.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that it was such a disappointment. Thank God for your niece and nephew. Kids can surprise us with their kindness and sensibility.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you. Real happiness.
Gal I agree with Lisa, plus you have all of us crazy blog friends who just love ya to pieces!
ReplyDeletewe could really throw you one heck of a party!
hope you have a good Thanksgiving!
Aw, I'm sorry your birthday was so disappointing. I've had that happen before, and it really stinks. (Actually, it happened this year, but I declared that since it was my 40th I was having a birthday *weekend*, and Tim and the kids managed to redeem themselves.)
ReplyDeleteYour nephew is great. I hope you can remember the sweet things he did for you instead of the other crap. (I know it's hard, though.)
Nephew to the rescue!
ReplyDeleteAnd I echo what Lisa & Vivian said.
Much love!