Mama’s 80th Birthday. I Love You!
Monday, October 1st, 2007
My grandmother, Mama, recently had her 80th birthday. The family decided to surprise her by bringing in many of her immediate and extended family, elementary school friends, church family, and many of the other people that she has welcomed into her life.
She’s a very smart woman. I think she figured out something was up. I came in Friday night and drove over to my father’s home. She was to come over for dinner there. When she arrived, she found my Uncle Larry and me in the living room. Of course, she and I immediately began gabbing about anything and everything. The “gift of the gab”…I got it from her. We had dinner and I caught up with some of the family.
She headed back to her house with my Aunt Carol shortly after then. My step-mother, Lynn, and I went out in the back yard with the fireflies and the dogs. It was nice to have some time alone with her. We took the dogs back in and I decided to stay over at my Mama’s home; sort of a slumber party that night.
We woke up and had breakfast with real grits. YUM! Carol had to go run some errands (decorate the church). Mama and I hung around and gabbed more. I love my Mama! My job was to get her to the church on time; I did. Once there, she found dozens there and more to come over the afternoon. So many people with smiles and hugs. Mama seemed truly happy and glad that people came, as she might say, “just for her.” You can click on any of these pictures to see more of them.
I got to visit with my aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and friends of the family. It was good to spend some time with Shaun and Jeff. They are both my cousins and we’re closest in age to each other. Shaun has a great family with kids and is good with technology. Jeff and I had a chance to talk about music; we both have that love.
By luck, my Aunt Ann and Uncle Cecil were in town. They came to the party and I made plans to see them at their home later that night. We caught up, sat in their huge empty home (selling it), and spent some quality time together. They love where they are living now in Florida.
The next day was full of goodbyes. Most of the out-of-town family left before I did. I was the straggler and I was quite happy being that. Mama and I looked through some of my pictures of New York City and I told the story behind them. You can find some of those same pictures in the blog you are reading. Later in the afternoon, I too said “goodbye” and “I love you, Mama.” Then off to the airport and back to New York City for me.
Or not. Read my rant on mistakes by Delta and the Birmingham airport.
