04.10.06
Last Hurrah
This weekend, I travelled to Nebraska for my Mother’s 69th birthday party. Usually I don’t bother to see her on her birthday, because it’s several hours in an airplane AND several more hours in a car. A card and a call are generally enough.
This birthday was different. It’s probably her last one.
I keep meaning to write the post about Mom, but it’s hard. Mom has amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This disease slowly paralyzes a person’s voluntary muscles, until they die. There are three starting points for the disease, with different life expectancies. Mom got the bulbar form, which starts at the throat. This is the quickest form. There is no cure for ALS. Even the drugs for it only extend life expectancy a short time. We were pretty sure this past Christmas was her last one (although we can hope). We’re pretty sure this will be her last birthday.
Bridget and Brandee planned a huge open house party at the Perkins Pavillion, the nursing home Mom lives in. Maureen helped with decorations, and I helped Bridget shop for things during my spring break. It was fabulous. Those women know how to throw a party.
Several of Mom’s friends came from Imperial, and several from the assisted living residence she used to live in, The Kensington. I got to see some people I haven’t seen in years.
Of course, since it was an open house, several of the nursing home residents came for the free cake, cookies and punch. That was fine. I just wish they had eaten more! We had a lot of leftover cake.
Mom was the belle of the ball. Maureen and I had my friend at The Flirty Bride make up a special tiara for Mom’s birthday, and mini versions for us kids. Kevin got a boutonniere, since he’d look silly in a tiara. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of him, just his lovely wife Brandee in her tiara.
Bridget or Maureen had bought simple tiaras and hats to give to the party guests. They looked great.
The room was decorated with lots of butterfly balloons and Mom’s artwork.
Mom had a good time, but she got really tired afterwards. She had trouble swallowing at lunch, so she was unable to even eat any of her beautiful birthday cake!
She got a mountain of cards from people who couldn’t come. It was a good time.
I was very sad to return to California. At least Maureen will stay for a week.