April Fool
Mom's birthday was in March which she proudly shared with her great-grandson Colin. In addition to the birthdays she enjoyed in March she always had a special place in her heart for her "April" birthday boys. Our dad was born on April 2, my brother on April 1 (that's right April Fool's Day), my grandfather (her dad) on April 15. Two of her brothers were also born in April.
We all have our tech tools to track our calendars but nothing compaired to that hand written list she used religiously to track special events in the life of the people she loved. If you looked at the list closely all April celebrations had asteriks next to them.
When her eyes started failing I told her we could transfer the information onto a calendar and print it in large letters. Needless to say I got "the look", she promptly told me that she would use her magnifing glass and when that didn't work her magnifying machine. Each month she would check her list and get ready for the next month's birthdays. She would read and read the cards (Hallmark of course) until she found just the right one. While she was still in Florida her eyes had truly failed and she couldn't read the cards. One day I was talking to her and she said she read five until she found the right one for a particular birthday. I asked her how she was able to "read" them and why five. Mom proceeded to tell me that she made a "deal" with the lady in Hallmark, she would tell the salesperson something about the person she needed the card for and the salesperson would pick five cards and read them to her. The "deal" was she had to pick one of the five. Her eyes may have been failing but her creativity was surely still in tact.
Once she got to Magnolia Gardens Laura or I would check her list and let her know whose celebration was coming up. We would pick three cards (five was a bit much) read them to her and she would pick the one she liked best.
I will always cherish this handwritten list, it says as much if not more about mom then any other keepsake.
I would like to use the list just one more time before putting it away in a memory box for Ian.
Happy Birthday to our dad, my grandfather and my two uncles.
A special birthday wish to my dear brother on his milestone birthday. Mom celebrated this day every year with such heartfelt pride. Her beloved son became all that she had hoped for and more.
The story of my brother's birthday will always bring a smile to my face. Everyone knows my father had a terrific sense of humor and loved practical jokes. My brother was not due until mid April but arrived on April l. My father was so excited he called the whole family and tried telling them the news. No one believed him! Call after call got the same response, "right Joe, April fool", it wasn't until later when mom confirmed it that he was taken seriously.
April also reminds us of the loss of our beloved dad. Two such monumental dates in one month gives you pause. I believe it serves a reminder of life well lived by a good man and of the legacy he leaves behind.
Love,
Ann