Sunday, November 11, 2007

The life of the...car

The birthday pie. When we asked Marissa what she wanted for her birthday, the only thing she could think of was one of my brother's "famous" chocolate silk pies. He made her 3 of them!

Today we celebrated kidcousin Marissa's 14th birthday. She's a beautiful girl with a big, huge heart and it was a pleasure to spend this day with her and the rest of the cousins.

We went to dinner at her favorite restaurant where she ate her fill of barbecued ribs and was seranaded by the servers. Of course she was beyond embarrassed, but it tickled us all to see her in the limelight like that.


As we prepared to return home to open presents and eat the birthday pie, I started to get into the kid's grandma's car to ride home with her and her daughter. Eric, the 15 year old, grabbed me by the arm and begged me to ride with him and the rest of the kids. He said, "you can't go with the adults, you're the life of the car!". Of course I couldn't argue with that, so I got in and we rocked out to the soundtrack of "Hairspray" (which we had all gone to see the weekend before) all the way home.


Once we arrived at the house, it was time to open presents. Rissa was thrilled (though you can't tell by this picture--she hates having her photo taken) with her digital camera, clothes, new computer gadget and her new jammies. She looked like the cat that ate the canary and it reminded me how much I loved these kids. They take nothing for granted and are thankful for every thing they get. Some kids expect laptop computers and new cars for their birthdays and she was thrilled with pajamas and a cheap digital camera.

The birthday bounty and my "bling" purse on the table. I really AM a girl these days.

When she had opened all her gifts, she gathered them together and lovingly took them to her room. I have to admit it really choked me up in part because today isn't Marissa's birthday...her birthday is tomorrow, but tomorrow is the day of her grandma's open heart surgery and she wanted to be able to share this special day with her only living grandparent.

So if I've been busy, distracted or just plain absent, that's the reason why. I'm scared sh*tless about the outcome of this very difficult operation and most especially worried about the children. They are wonderful kids and they've been through hell, literally, during their lifetimes. Despite that, or maybe because of it, they are wonderful, caring, moral, incredible human beings and losing the grandmother (who has been one of the two stable people in their lives) could be a blow they won't recover from.

So please, if you are a praying kind of person, say one for Sharon. Even if you aren't, please send a happy, healing thought this way around 11 am Monday. What I'd really love to see is her make it through the surgery and then she can take over my job as "the life of the...car".

I'll try to keep you posted on Sharon's condition. I love you all, be safe, happy and healthy.

15 comments:

Menchie said...

sending a prayer her way.

looks like your cousin had alovely birhday. :D

Unknown said...

Happy b’day to Marissa. Sharon is, of course, in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I'll say an extra prayer for her today.

threecollie said...

Sending one her way.....

Hilary said...

Sending best thoughts.

Your kids are lovely.. inside and out.

Keep us posted when you can.

Mary said...

I hope she is well, Laurie. Here comes a prayer.

Mary

Squirl said...

Happy healing thoughts heading her way. I can see why you're the life of the car. Hugs to you, dear!

LittlePea said...

Of course I'll pray for her....

KGMom said...

You have had some year.
Sending another prayer your way.
And a fervent wish that next year eases up on you!

Ur-spo said...

i will contact the saints for this relative.

dmmgmfm said...

Thanks for the kind comments all...Sharon's surgery was postponed until today at 1 pm. There were several emergencies that took precedence. Please keep her and the family in your thoughts.

Love,
Laurie, Kay, Sharon, Kristie, Eric, Marissa, Sadie Rose, Luke and Gabby

Pink said...

sending prayers for Sharon and all of you
xx
pinks

Pam said...

Sending a prayer, of course, and one for you. This has been a difficult year.

Cathy said...

Dear Laurie,

I'm praying for Sharon and for you and those beautiful young people. I feel the joy they bring to you . . . I hope you feel the love you engender in them. Yes, I know you do.

Let us know how she's doing. Remember, honey - this operation has restored health and life to so many. My hubby is alive today because of it.

Take care of yourself, too.

Love,
Cathy

dmmgmfm said...

Sharon is having some problems, but she is stable. I have to believe it is because of all the love and kindness pouring out to her from all over the world. You have no idea how much I love and appreciate you all.

Take good care, and please know that no news is good news.

Love,
Laurie