“The day we stop resisting our instincts, we’ll have learned how to live.” Federico Garcia Lorca      

I want to grip your interest and also touch your soul. We are affected by every experience, good and bad alike. We all share a common vitality, wonder and excitement. Somethings are too important to keep to ourselves. Personally, I think turning 90 years old is one of those things, I live it and want to share it. My family thought it would be great to celebrate with a party.

I said “no, no, no.” I do not want a party. How can we invite all my friends and family? I kept insisting, “No party. No party!”

The whisperings in the other rooms, the quiet texting and the secret little trips, I began to suspect something.

Finally, I demanded, “What is going on?”

To make a long story short they planned a surprise birthday coffee at church. That morning I walked into the church kitchen and there they were all happily scurrying around putting things in place; a huge beautiful cake, salads, several different kinds of sandwiches on special breads, deserts, coffee, flowers and more. My family and their spouses have all worked in restaurants so it was great team work.

How did I feel? I was greatly surprised and pleased and amazed at the layout. The best part was celebrating with church friends. To be completely honest, I never dreamed such an event. I bowed my head.

Now, this is around my birthday, Feb. 11. O.K. that is done and a beautiful memory. But, the whispering, mysteries, texting and little trips did not stop!

And I was not included!

Even with all their responsibilities, and demands on travel, work and family, something   passionate, playful and persuasive was going on. This continued into April. What fun the family was having. Sly little smiles, more telephone calls and secrets. Could they go up into the attic for some reason or other. They were looking for family pictures. I asked, “Hey, what is going on?”  I got no answers. Only silent looks and nothing.

To make a long story short, I was finally told that I was having a “family” birthday party and they did not want to forget anyone. They thought it was the proper thing to do and I was having it! I decided that I might as well go along with the fun. I did! It was great. It was perfect. It was a blessing to see so many.

Life changes. Life gets busy, people move away, or get married. The family grows in every way.  At the party there was a sense of joy coming from inside everyone. We participated in something precious and ancient.  All of us. Folks came from far and near and folks very dear to us.

Was I teary eyed? Yes, at times. There are so many missing. That is what happens by the time you reach 90. And may God grant all of you and my precious, large family many happy, healthy years.

Everyone, thank you.