Once again I am celebrating Mom. This time it is for her birthday. She is one of the many May birthdays in my family. I guess since she is the oldest one in my family to have a May birthday you could say it was her month first. Of course that does not include those that are no longer with us. If you know anything about my mom, you will know she hates the fuss and is happy to share the Month of May with everyone. Happy Birthday, Mom!
The big announcement
That being said I remember one particular birthday of moms. We were at church. I had always been taught to be very respectful during church and not interrupt the priest during the service. This one particular Sunday, I waited until just the right moment. The time is right after general announcements but before the end of Mass. There was complete silence. The announcements were finished and I saw my opportunity. I said in the quiet church as loud as I could, “I have an announcement to make, today is my mother’s birthday!”. You could hear sneakers of joy and Mom’s total shock as her jaw hit the ground from embarrassment. I was so proud of myself. I didn’t interrupt the priest but I let everyone know that it was Mom’s birthday. I thought this would be great. We are usually the last ones out and everyone stops and says hello to us on their way out.
I promise I won't do it again
In case you don’t know the time when mass is over is when everyone forgets what they just heard during mass and makes a mad dash to the parking lot. Trying to be the first one out of the lot and on to the next adventure. We usually waited until the church was empty to leave because it wasn’t worth risking life and limb to be the first ones out. So you guessed it every single person that left the church that day, wished Mom a happy birthday. I was so proud. Mom not so much. Mom made a point of telling me through gritted teeth to never do that again. I think she purposely avoided going to church on her birthday to ensure I never did that again.
Oops, I did it again
You would think that I had learned my lesson about making a fuss over Mom or making her the center of attention on her birthday, but I didn’t. We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse one year on Mom’s birthday. She did say something about not wanting them to sing happy birthday to her while we were in the car. I thought that’s so sad, why not make a fuss? It’s your birthday! So I hatched a plan, I would inform the server it was her birthday anyway. We had a great dinner and lots of laughs then the time came, the time I look forward to on my birthday. Fuss time! If you have ever been to Texas Roadhouse on your birthday or to celebrate your birthday you know that they have this saw horse thing with a saddle and they want you to get on the saddle while they sing. They brought the saddle near our table and Mom said, there was no way she was going to get on the saddle. I was crushed and burst out into tears. Not the fake cry tears but the streaming down my face tears. People around us were confused and I think a little mad at mom for not wanting to make her disabled daughter happy. Mom being the selfless person that she is got on the saddle to make me happy. Needless to say, we have never gone out again for Mom’s birthday.
No evidence
I know we had a picture of that rare occasion but it was Dad who took the picture and he has lost more photos from his phone than I have taken. For some reason, his iPhone keeps resetting itself and he keeps losing his contacts and pictures. Hmmm, maybe it’s the user, not the phone. Besides mom would kill me if I posted that picture.
What about this year?
She doesn’t mind us singing to her or her family calling her, but total strangers, she wants no part of. If I can convince her to go out again on her birthday I would have to promise to not tell the server. Mom knows me better than that and I am sure she is not going to chance it. I will never understand why she doesn’t like the fuss. It’s only one day a year. She never even talks about her age although there is no way I am testing that water to tell you all how old she is. I need her help and I won’t get away with making a scene anymore. So instead I will make a plan for dinner and send Dad to the store. He will not get what I ask but instead will get what he wants. He’s funny that way. So I think I will get some help to go shopping and get it myself or maybe I will just make reservations for mom at a restaurant of my choice. In case you were wondering I picked Italian for my birthday. We went to Olive Garden and they sang happy birthday to me. It was terrific and I loved being the center of attention.
Happy Birthday, Mom
Mom, I love you with everything that I am, and if you would let me I would shout from the rooftops, “ I have an announcement to make, It’s mom’s birthday!” I am so grateful that I have you as my mom. You have stood by me through everything. You never once doubted that I could do great things. You instilled in me courage and hope. You are my greatest supporter and your encouragement has enabled me to follow my dreams and always Strive for the impossible. I love you, Mom, Happy Birthday. Happy Memorial Day as we remember those who lost their lives for our freedom.
Video of me in a standing wheelchair, hugging Mom eye to eye. Unfortunately, this chair was only a trial as insurance did not cover it at the time.
Thank you for reading until the end!
This is the view from my wheelchair, where miracles can make a difference. Always Strive for the Impossible. Come back next week to see what is on my mind and hear more about my experiences and The View From My Wheelchair.