Birthday Parties

This week was my mom’s 80^th birthday, a huge milestone. It was especially poignant because my dad didn’t make his 80^th birthday, and we had been talking about celebrating it with him just before he died. At first my mom didn’t want a party but my sister and I insisted. We sent out the invitations, kept track of the guest list, made lists of things to serve, and booked our flights to Ottawa.

As the party got closer my mom got more excited about it, talking about it with us and those who were coming. She has an extensive network of friends, neighbours, fellow volunteers, and book club members that added up to a guest list of over 30 people.

We started preparing when we arrived, a bit here and there, chipping away at it. My sister, who is one for going over the top with things, brought disco ball lights, streamers, and goodie bags. I brought a “Happy 80^th” balloon and my baking tins so I could make a carrot cake as a birthday cake. The cake didn’t work out quite as I’d hoped – it didn’t rise as much as it should have – but it was good with cream cheese icing.

My mom’s neighbours were so helpful – picking us up from the airport, sharing fridge space, loaning a coffee maker, providing an extra mattress so my sister and I could both stay at my mom’s. She has a strong community here which is heartening to see when so many other seniors are lonely and isolated.

My mom is spry for 80. She still takes the bus everywhere that she can’t walk to. She cleans the house every week. She quilts. She bakes and shares with her neighbours and friends. It’s been hard for her without my dad around, but she’s managed really well and taken on responsibility for all the things my dad used to do.

I hope she still has many years of a good life ahead of her. She deserves it (thanks to my sister for the photos).