Birthday Preparation
Quote from my 7 year old:
I want to throw a birthday party for mommy and I want it to be perfect. She always makes sure our birthday parties are perfect, so I want hers to be perfect.
This is how my sister, who is visiting from Turkey, started helping (help is an understatement) my daughter organize a “surprise” birthday party for me. They decorated the family room, ordered a strawberry cake with whipped cream (the only cake I like), bought gifts and invited friends over. It is hard to surprise someone, when said someone never leaves the house :). Random conversations throughout the week with my daughter.
My girl walks into the room casually, supposedly making conversation with me:
Daughter: Mommy, what is your favorite cake?
Mommy: Vanilla cake with freshly sliced strawberries and whipped cream frosting.
Daughter: Hmmmm ok
She casually leaves the room. The moment she is out the room, I hear hear tiny footsteps speeding up and voice increasing:
Daughter: AUNTIE, SHE LIKES STRAWBERRY CAKE.
It was the most adorable thing to experience. As my sister said this party was more for her morale than mine. It did not work out that way.
Celebrating My Birthday
I opened my eyes very early to my two little ones. As usual I feel exhausted already. My body is aching. I am searching for words, as I am relearning how to talk. A feeling I got used to in a short period. I know my sister and my daughter have plans for me and my brother just came into town to visit me. I am also anticipating a few of my friends to show up.
As my children crawl into my bed, I say to myself “SUCK IT UP!” No matter what, I am determined to get through my birthday weekend. They put the effort in, so can I. That is what I did.
Got dressed and my friend took me to a spa to get a pedicure. I was too weak to lift my legs, whenever the lady needed to swap my feet. She had to do it for me. By the time we were done, I was hungry, tired, and just wanted to crawl back in my bed.
Instead my brother took me to a brunch with the kids. The time we spent there felt really long, but it was nice to be out as a family. By the time we were done, I just felt like collapsing. We finally made it home and I threw myself in bed, after taking all my medications. I dosed off for the first time during the day for an hour or so. I woke up to my daughter’s voice. I was not sure where I was, when I opened my eyes. My entire body felt hard and heavy as a rock. It took me good 30 minutes to get myself together.
A few friends showed up. They all drove from out of town and some actually drove back the same day. We cut my cake and opened my gifts. They all got me very thoughtful gifts. Like sunglasses because I am having to wear them day and night, due to sensitivity towards light. I had no time concept at that moment. I think everything was over pretty quick or it felt that way. I was very tired in the end. I went up to my room and laid a little bit. Then they took me out to dinner. It has been a long time, since I ate dinner out. I was excited, but my energy was drained. My entire body was aching, as if I have a fever. As soon as we ate, I asked them to take me home. And finally I collapsed at the couch.
See this whole celebration was aimed to cheer up the kids. Like I said, it didn’t work out that way. It really cheered me up and also put me in tears and made me happy. It was very emotional. It was very overwhelming too feel so much love around me. It was a wonderful day and I am proud of myself for making it through despite the pain.
Celebrating Loved Ones Instead of My Birthday
Going around the sun for the 32nd time made me think. My close friends and family helped me become the woman I am today. Yes some of these friends are not in my life anymore, but the gifts they gave me I still cherish So instead of celebrating my new age, I’ve decided to celebrate and say thanks to the people who touched me one way or another.
Not that I can fit everybody here, but here is a small sample list.
My dear husband, Wonder: It is possible to love someone this much. (no matter how bad things get, we are going to be alright and he is going to be there for me.)
The most wonderful woman who brought me to this world, Necmiye: When you feel overwhelmed don’t look at the big picture, just tackle one thing at a time. Next thing you know, you got through everything. (one of the life lessons that is helping me fight Lyme today)
The smart man who contributed to my existence and also gave me my beautiful eyes, Ilhan: With determination you can accomplish anything in life. (one of the life lessons that is helping me fight Lyme today as well)
My baby brother, Ata : Learn to take a moment to listen to others’ opinions, before you lay out your thought process.
The sister I spent the majority of my life fighting with, Ozgur: No matter what happens, even if the entire world turns their back on me, there will always be one person ready to talk to me and support me.
My lovely twins (Monique and Nichole): Don’t take BS from anybody in the name of being nice
My dear friend, Monique: Look at things from the positive side.
My dear friend, Robert: Even if you are right, you don’t have to be right (it is not worth fighting every battle).
My beautiful nurse, Tiffany: Life is short learn to have fun. Learn about innovative health topics while drunk and sleep deprived.
My friends Robin and Neda: The depth of your friendship is not parallel to the length of your friendship.
My other family, The Powells: You don’t have to be blood related to be family.
My friend, Candie: West cost rocks and I miss city life.
Old friend, Eva: If you are a morning person, then wash the damn dishes in the morning. Just keep a clean kitchen.
Gary: If you are in an awkward situation, make it even more awkward so it becomes comical.
Another old friend, Jen: You can’t do it all by yourself, put those rug rats to work. Also learn to vacation.
My sister in law, Amy: Put the groceries in the shopping cart organized – makes life easier later.
Bobby: Not everybody has to stay in my life forever.
All my friends in Turkey: Doesn’t matter how many years you lived apart, some relationships are solid as rock.
Dogum gununun kutlu olsun.Ailen le saglikli mutlu huzurlu nice yllara.adresini bana yolla Vietnamdan sana hediyeni posta ile gondereyim.
Cok tesekkurler š Hediyeye gerek yok ama cok dusuncelisin sagol. Blogumu duzenli bir sekilde okudugun icinde cok mutesekkurum. Amerikadan selamlar.