Yesterday would have been Mom’s 65th birthday. It’s been 6 months since I’ve talked with her and loved on her. My cousin Rebecca sent me a text this morning that said, “She’s bound to be having an amazing party.” How right she was. Can you imagine your birthday in Heaven? I would think it’s the ultimate…for sure.
But, it was a rough day as well. I started the morning with a good cry….and several more throughout the day. It’s funny what triggers those tears. Then Harper and I made cupcakes…pink ones at that. Harper loves that Grammy’s favorite color pink, is her favorite color too.
My Aunt Martha (one of Mom’s sisters) fixed a delicious lunch for us. My cousin Charlie prayed a sweet prayer including Mom…made me cry…of course.
After lunch the kids collected plums from Aunt Martha’s backyard and did a bit of taste testing.
After lunch we packed the car for the cemetery…lots of balloons in tow.
We enjoyed cupcakes at the cemetery on one of Mom’s quilts.
The wee Kelleys decided to leave some of the balloons at the grave and to release some…totally cool with me.
Courtney and Jess brought dinner up to Mom’s house for us to all enjoy…along with some sweet gifts for me & itty bitty boy. And I ended the night chatting with 2 sweet friends, while the kids enjoyed a movie on Mom’s couch.
She was such a good, good Mom. Definitely one who deserves to be celebrated even after death. We said several times today, “She would have loved this.” She would have been so tickled with Harper’s preparation for today and the boy’s requests for balloons. I laid there on the grass where she is buried and could have cried a river, but did well. Kids make things different and definitely more comical. It is still very hard to wrap my brain around the fact that she is gone. Harper said yesterday while we were at Mom’s house, “It’s like Grammy’s just out of town.” Made me said that was where her little mind was while she was playing, but she must have been in my head. I was thinking the same thing…like she should be pulling into her driveway any minute now. But then Harper dropped the reality bomb, “But pretty sure she would have locked her doors.” 🙂
So yep…we just keep facing reality head on and celebrating in the cemetery 🙂 In fact, we will do as many picnics and cupcakes on her grave for as long as the wee Kelleys would like…I’m down with it. She was a crazy, amazing lady…full to the brim with love. We will celebrate her because she was just that incredible and simply…she deserves celebrating. How blessed I am to have had a Mom like her.
Happy 65th Birthday Mom.
Happy Monday!
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What a special Mom you are to your children!! You remind me so much of your Mom…when I read your blog, it sounds like her. I think she would have loved her birthday celebration. God bless you, Laura…we continue to pray for you.
A beautiful celebration. Your kids are pretty awesome, which tells me you too are a wonderful Mum. p.s. you make the best looking cupcakes.
love from Oz.
I’m very sad you had to do that, but I think it’s an awesome way to celebrate. Our church has the Easter Egg Hunt in our cemetery. Some people got upset, but my mom said she thought it was awesome, that her grave would have the laughter of children over it. I think it’s a great way to remember and great memories for your children! You’re an awesome mama!
What a beautiful celebration of life. Praying for you today. Sometimes ‘special’ days seem to be the worst but I’ve found through my husband losing his father, a lot of times it’s the ordinary days that are just as tough.
Hugs and prayers!
God bless you Laura. What a beautiful celebration and an honor to your mom.
Hey Laura,
I thought of you a lot yesterday and Sandra as well. I sure do miss her… Didn’t realize how often during the week we talked to each other, until now…. that’s why I had to get up last night and try and honor her on my “wall”; then I had to go to her page and tell her how much I missed her…. I’m so glad her Facebook page is still up; at least I can see her pictures and that makes me feel good… She surely “LOVED” those Grandbabies!!!! I would talk to her on Friday nights and she would often be babysitting…. or watching “What not to wear” tee hee…. I know she had a great time celebrating her Birthday in Heaven yesterday… I could just hear her talking and laughing with my Mom saying “come on Miss Estelle” You didn’t know this, but that’s how I met Sandra, through my Mom at the old First American probably 25 years ago… They had some funny stories to tell ….. I too, had a wonderful Godly Mother…. She has been gone 6 years, and of couse, Sandra was the first one to come to the funeral home then… Yes Laura, we were both VERY BLESSED to have such great women in our lives… and I pray God wraps you in his arms and gives you that extra hug whenever you need one from your Mom!!!!!
I love how you celebrated and honored her birthday! It’s been over 2 1/2 years since my dad died (and it still feels completely odd to me that I have to type that “my dad died”), but my family still – and I think always will – finds ways to do something to honor the occasions when he is especially missed. Sending more hugs and blessings your way…
Laura ~ how can I cry and be so encouraged at the same time ~ once again you are amazing with your encouragement. My Mother entered heaven in December 2000 and this year would have celebrated her 100th birthday ~ Needless to say you have given me an inspiring idea for her birthday celebration this year. My Mother and I were extremely close like you and your Mom. Once she retired she was free to be with us all the time and we loved every minute of it. Both of my children were extremely close with my Mother. I am so sorry for your loosing your Mother I know exactly what yesterday was like for you. I miss our talks, her sweet smile and most of all her sweet spirit and her prayers. Laura you are an amazing Mother and you have some awesome kids ~ and you know why they are awesome because they have a Mother who makes time for them. You see your time is showing them your love. I now have two awesome grandchildren and everyone constantly says how much better it is to have grandchildren but I can’t wrap my head around that because I gave my children my time and love them more than anything to this very day ~ I also love my grandchildren and love love giving them my time. Laura keep on doing just what you are doing ~ trust me ~ your children will thank you one day. I can hardly wait to see your new little wee Kelley. Laura thank you so much for your posts ~ I love following what God is doing in the home of the wee Kelleys. If you ever get down or discouraged or just need a shoulder please contact me. I would absolutely love it. May God continue to bless you and your family and give you favor in every area of your life because you put Him first. And I pray for open doors and favor in your quest to get the newest wee Kelley to the good ole U.S.A:)
Hi, I never post comments but your entry today just struck a chord with me. I too lost my mother, it will be two years ago this coming Sept 11. She would have turned 65 as well in April. I had a sometimes difficult relationship with her but I miss her all the time especially since she passed before I could tell her I was expecting my second child. But I know she’s in heaven and completely healthy! What a wonderful way you choose to celebrate, I know doing something like this would help me as well. Many blessings to you and your growing family.
Love to all of the Kelleys!!
Every year where I grew up the kids would have a picnic in the cemetery it was so much fun..