Today is my Mom’s 100th birthday. No one reaches this milestone without a few challenges. She survived colon cancer, needs dialysis for her failed kidney function and is being robbed of her sight by macular degeneration. She has lost a husband, a daughter and countless friends.
However her mind and spirit are intact which is great blessing for all of us who love her.
She is well regarded in her hometown of New Boston, NH where she was presented with the Boston Post Cane at the young age of ninety-nine.
She volunteers at the New Boston Historical Society and they held a fine birthday party for her, Seems appropriate since she is older than some of the exhibits.
https://youtu.be/HeKQZPnNRqU
Through the Looking Glass
When we were young our mother would read to us from the classic children’s books. One of her favorites was the two books by Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.
Knowing that it was a favorite made our Christmas shopping an easy task. Over the years we have given her every kind of book, table cloth and knick-knack based on the characters in the book. My sister even took photos of pubs in England named after the Mad Hatter Tea Party and the Walrus and the Carpenter.
I can recite the first part of Jabberwocky from memory. What kind of cake would be suitable for a 100th birthday? A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party of course.
We had a nice birthday lunch at Putnam’s Waterview Restaurant for our second party. When you have a 100th you get to have multiple parties. Nice turnout of family.
Wait, There is More
It ain’t over yet! Mom’s actual birthday is the date of this posting. When I called she told me she is getting loads of phone calls. Some friends dropped in with plants and other goodies and later the local ukulele group will serenade her. Whew, what a day. Happy Birthday.