Today we had a birthday party for my biggest girl: the girl who made me a mother for the first time, the girl who unlocked a passion I never knew I had. I love being her mother.
During Mia’s party, Anna asked for a nap. As I nursed her to sleep in the big bed I heard laughter and chatting in the next room. Time stopped. Here in my house, at the same time, were so many people that I love. The are alive and healthy and here, ranging in ages that span nearly a century. I wanted to hold my breath; I wanted it to last. But life moves, and so it is. We cannot hold it back.
I love my people. They give my life its sweetness. They made today a lovely and memorable day.
Happy 8th birthday, Mia.
The mountain ash with fresh snow on its berries, just outside our front door today.
Make a wish, Mia!
Mia ready to eat her mint-green, lemon-curd cake with buttercream frosting that she and Lish made together, while auntie Daja and special friend Adam look on.
A special gift from Adam: a diary with a fancy pen.
Happy birthday, my sweet eight-year-old.
I would love to post photos of all of our special people at the party, but many of them do not appreciate their photos being published in the public domain, and I respect their privacy. Their absence from the photos does not imply a lack of importance.
Much love and gratitude.
xoxo
January 16, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Touching