Over the past three weeks, I have been surrounded by milestone birthdays. My northern neighbor hosted a multitude of family and friends to celebrate her granddaughter’s first birthday. It had a cowboy theme. The guest of honor donned a pink hat and matching boots. Her outfit changed hourly but stayed primarily pink. When they moved in, the father of the baby was three. He was a ball of energy, especially around Halloween. I’m in the background of his life but remember the milestones.
My southern exposure neighbor’s family hosted her ninetieth birthday. A castle bouncy house appeared in her backyard for her great grandchildren to enjoy. She sat in her favorite chair, glass of wine at the ready, faithful dog at her feet, and greeted her guests like a true grande dame. She told me she feels seventy-five, which I take as a good thing.
We’ve been together for a few decades, so I share many memories with these two neighbors. The passage of a husband, parents, siblings, and sadly, children.
Both have an all are welcome attitude. That added to the success of their parties. After a full afternoon and evening, everyone left fed body and soul.
Via text, I found out I’m not done celebrating. I was approached by the new grandma. She’s planning another birthday party in August and needs my backyard, with full fridge access.
Absolutely, anytime.
Mary Jo is a USA Today bestselling author and 2014 WRWDC Marlene Award winner. She writes whatever pops into her head including paranormal, fantasy, romance, and mystery stories. Being an eternal pessimist and multi-tasker helps Mary Jo put her characters in desperate situations. She reads, likes her kids, and is currently working on her next project.
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