BIRTHDAY SURPRISE
May and June.
I am reflecting on family events that occur frequently in May and June.
Many members of our family have been born during May or June.
Some have died during these weeks. I lost a dear brother and sister near the beginning of a May. I lost one of my best friends, my Grandfather Bove in May, 1965. Recently a dear aunt and an uncle have passed on May days. Our beautiful and beloved mother left us in May, two years ago at the age of ninety-three. We are nearing Fathers Day, when a remarkable brother-in-law died unexpectedly a year ago.
Why am I thinking about this now? Our large family is scattered across the country- VT, MA, ME, FL, NJ, LA, AZ, MD, CO, and China.
We get together for, you know, funerals.
Here’s the good part:
My birthday (70) was last week and my oldest son (NJ) planned a visit which made me ecstatic.
I would get a chance to beat him at golf for the first time ever, since I’ve been retired and play a lot; he has to work a lot so plays only on occasion. (I didn’t).
He arrived in AZ, we had a nice dinner at home. Then the doorbell rang.
A big surprise walked in, my youngest brother (MA).
Wow, I had my son and brother to celebrate with, but before he could sit down the doorbell rang again.
In walks another brother (FL). My wife and I could not believe it. His first time in AZ.
Two minutes later I answered the bell to welcome my baby sister (VT), a world traveler but her first time in AZ. She is the gem of this family. The rest of the family knows what I mean.
Doorbell. Another jewel of a sister (VT), joined the party. I looked outside to see who else might be there, but figured I was indeed so happy to have them all here though one brother (VT) was missing.
We are all still hugging when we were interrupted by the doorbell. It was the last of my living siblings and we six were all together.
I looked at them. Boy, they are old now.
But still handsome and pretty. But I am still older.
We laughed and hugged and cried and toured AZ and ate and ate.
We got up early and stayed up late.
We ate some more and man, there was coffee and coffee.
My birthday lasted five days. Then it was Karen’s birthday, the first of her, how many? First one in AZ. We had cake. We had fun. Lots.
So for the better part of a week my life was a wreck.
In a good way.
Thank you brothers and sisters for the best surprise anyone could have.
Thanks to the rest of your families, spouses, and children, for sending them off to visit me and my dear wife.
The surprise worked. I knew not even a hint of it, though it was months in the making.
The plan to get together for a happy time is not a bad idea. It is wonderful.
Peace and love.
May and June.
I am reflecting on family events that occur frequently in May and June.
Many members of our family have been born during May or June.
Some have died during these weeks. I lost a dear brother and sister near the beginning of a May. I lost one of my best friends, my Grandfather Bove in May, 1965. Recently a dear aunt and an uncle have passed on May days. Our beautiful and beloved mother left us in May, two years ago at the age of ninety-three. We are nearing Fathers Day, when a remarkable brother-in-law died unexpectedly a year ago.
Why am I thinking about this now? Our large family is scattered across the country- VT, MA, ME, FL, NJ, LA, AZ, MD, CO, and China.
We get together for, you know, funerals.
Here’s the good part:
My birthday (70) was last week and my oldest son (NJ) planned a visit which made me ecstatic.
I would get a chance to beat him at golf for the first time ever, since I’ve been retired and play a lot; he has to work a lot so plays only on occasion. (I didn’t).
He arrived in AZ, we had a nice dinner at home. Then the doorbell rang.
A big surprise walked in, my youngest brother (MA).
Wow, I had my son and brother to celebrate with, but before he could sit down the doorbell rang again.
In walks another brother (FL). My wife and I could not believe it. His first time in AZ.
Two minutes later I answered the bell to welcome my baby sister (VT), a world traveler but her first time in AZ. She is the gem of this family. The rest of the family knows what I mean.
Doorbell. Another jewel of a sister (VT), joined the party. I looked outside to see who else might be there, but figured I was indeed so happy to have them all here though one brother (VT) was missing.
We are all still hugging when we were interrupted by the doorbell. It was the last of my living siblings and we six were all together.
I looked at them. Boy, they are old now.
But still handsome and pretty. But I am still older.
We laughed and hugged and cried and toured AZ and ate and ate.
We got up early and stayed up late.
We ate some more and man, there was coffee and coffee.
My birthday lasted five days. Then it was Karen’s birthday, the first of her, how many? First one in AZ. We had cake. We had fun. Lots.
So for the better part of a week my life was a wreck.
In a good way.
Thank you brothers and sisters for the best surprise anyone could have.
Thanks to the rest of your families, spouses, and children, for sending them off to visit me and my dear wife.
The surprise worked. I knew not even a hint of it, though it was months in the making.
The plan to get together for a happy time is not a bad idea. It is wonderful.
Peace and love.
Brothers and sisters.
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