A first birthday without Daddy

After my grandmother passed away in May, we talked about how difficult this year's "firsts" would be without her. And before we could get going with any of thoses, Daddy got sick and now we've lost him, too. So the "firsts" without Gram will be the "firsts" without Daddy this year as well.

My friend, Jen, says that the anticipation of some of these "firsts" are worse than the actual days since you worry, worry, worry and then the day is nothing but another day without someone you love.

So, that being said, this past Saturday was Mom's birthday. It was raining for most of the day and we worked on some more tasks related to Daddy's passing. That evening, we went to see the McKinney Community Band play downtown. My brother and I had never seen/heard them but my Mom (and Dad) had.

My mom, my brother and I had all been in band in high school so we have a different appreciation for the hard work these musicians put into their concerts. It didn't stop us, though, from doing a little 'audience critique' from the balcony. Of course, it's easy for us to be critical when we haven't played our instruments in several years. Really, they did a fabulous job.

Sunday, we took Mom to lunch for her birthday at Red Lobster. We all ate too much, of course. She had a serenade from the waitstaff and us, too. Also, we had a table visit by two lobsters. Eli gave them coasters to grab but he didn't want to touch them. It was very cute, I think. I've added a couple of the lobster pics for your review...





I also snapped this cute pic of Mom and Eli. He had been singing "Happy Birthday" in my car on the way to her house on Saturday but then wouldn't sing to her when he saw her. But, on Sunday at lunch with all the other different people singing to her, he really piped up. What a fun guy he is!



So, all in all, Mom's first birthday without her mom and her husband was okay. We did the best we could by being with her all day and making sure she felt special - as everyone should on their birthday. She was showered with cards from friends and several people called to wish her a happy day. What a blessing all of you are for thinking of her and making sure she felt loved.

As for the rest of us, we still feel like Humpty Dumpty. We're trying to put the pieces back together again.