Happy Birthday Momma!

Today is my momma's birthday. She is 80 years old today and I want to wish her a very happy day. I know she will have one because she lives in her own little world. I am throwing a huge party for her on Saturday at the Arbor. She is going to be so surprised. My mom is a character. Life with my mom has not always been easy. There was a time when it was Camelotesque....but those days were only for "One brief shining moment," and before my brother died. When Dougie died my mom had a hard time coping with the loss. She still does. He has been dead since I was 9 and that was 48 years ago....and we still don't talk about him....we still don't know what she did with his pictures or the 8mm films...or the painting Burdines gave us....it is as if he never existed....but I have a child too...and I know that losing Kat would cause me to lose my mind I am sure. I can't imagine what that must have been like for her. I only know how hard it was for me. My mom is funny...simple...sweet (to most people)...oblivious to life as it is now...devoted to my father...and lives in another place. Sometimes I don't understand her place...but then I am not supposed to. My mother suffers from dementia and lives in the house with me. I am just glad that right now...she knows who I am. You have to understand...I left home at eighteen to get away from her...and she found me anyways. I love having she and my dad with me...because I know there won't be any regrets when they pass away...I will have experienced life with them during their final days. I have not always lived near my folks...and I am glad that right now I have them where I can keep and eye on them both. My husband...has lost both of his parents and lived far away from them when they were sick and died. He regrets not having been there when they died...hopefully I won't have to deal with that guilt when my time comes to face it. Today, my Aunt Shirley (the one with cancer) and I are taking my mom out for lunch. My aunt does not ever miss my mom's birthday. They fight like two cats sometimes...but they really do love each other...and I love them both. I have invited 80 people to this birthday shindig on Saturday...and will have to watch my parents closely for it to work. I can't let them go get the mail without some sort of time restraints....or they will take off rambling...and then she will miss her party....and believe you me...I would not put that past her at all. Wish me luck in pulling this off....and join me in wishing my mom Happy 80th Birthday! Oh...and if your mom is still around...hug her today...or call her and let her know you love her. She will appreciate it!