Mom recently arrived at her 95th birthday. She's often remarked how surprised she is that this was accomplished after the difficulty of her younger years. Mom is the oldest of three sisters in Hawaii. Her two younger sisters here passed away a while ago. Her youngest sister and brother live in Japan.
Mom goes to a day care three times a week and all the families of participants bring little goodie bags on their parent's birthdays. It's sort of funny because this wasn't something that was done in Illinois classrooms when our kids were growing up. It was done at birthday parties though.
The other day care families are often so creative and generous that you kind of can't help feeling like you need to come up with something fun too.
Ah well...
Art and I went to Sam's Club and got a whole bunch of snacks. I bought the white snack bags on Amazon since Walmart didn't carry them anymore and my brother created the gorgeous labels.
And then... we had her birthday party at our house.
Everybody brought their favorite dishes. Tiffany (from Chicago) and Keola (from South Asia) also ordered some Korean meat jun for the party.
I usually serve mom her food, but she got her own selection while I was busy doing other party prep. Uuummm... I was rather surprised at how much she decided she could eat. Uuuuummmm... I think I ate half as much as she did.
Friends also stopped by during the party and dropped off a fun mug cake for mom to have later. That's the first time I'd actually seen one and mom enjoyed it the following day.
We'd ordered a half sheet that provided everybody, including us with LOTS of left overs to bring home.
All in all, it was a happy celebration for mom. And best of all is the love she can see when she looks at all the photos.
POSTSCRIPT:
And to all brave and dedicated veterans everywhere, we thank you for your service so very much.
Happy 95th birthday! She has survived so much. She must be a strong lady. She lived through WW II. I thought this year’s election would kill me. Despair has covered me like a stinking blanket. It’s even grabbed my will to live.
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: It’s hard. My glucose jumped despite all my exercising ever since the election….probably from stress. However, this will pass. We just have to continue to look for the light, kindness in people, sunshine and beauty around us to lift our spirits. By the way, could you tell me who you are. :-)
DeleteGallacreek
DeleteHappy birthday to your mum. She had a good day.
ReplyDeleteMom and everyone else all look so happy. The pictures are delightful.
ReplyDeleteHappy 95th Birthday Hiroko! Lovely celebrations.
ReplyDelete-Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
DeleteI don't blame your mom. I find it quite easy to over serve myself in a buffet line where everyone brings their favorite dishes. I keep telling myself that I must try some of that because I don't normally eat that at home and before I know it, my plate if overflowing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful celebration. Boy, I bet her friends really enjoy the treat bags, too. Cute that they do that. Gotta love a buffet. I am glad everything looked so good to her!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful birthday for your mom. She looks absolutely delighted with the whole affair. You all should feel very good for what you gave her. Here's to many more birthdays. (We have many acquaintances who are over 100)
ReplyDeleteHappy 95th Aunty! You are a positive light in these trying times. Smile on! Love, Holly
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Cuz! I will pass on your happy message.
DeleteWhat a great celebration and quite a milestone!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to the lovely orchid whisperer! She looks so beautiful and chipper with all of the family around her. I bet those birthday goodie bags are a neat surprise for the day care buddies too! Sending a little, gentle hug. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: Awww… Thank you, Linda. I will pass on your message. Unfortunately she forgot about the party the next day. Soooo…. We printed out an 8X10 photo of the party gathering and hung them up in her room and the kitchen so she can enjoy and maybe remember some of it every time she sees them.
DeleteSuch a special lady with such a wonderful circle of friends and family. Happy birthday, Mom! (She is everybody's mom thanks to you sharing with us.)
ReplyDeleteCelebration and love are what we need now. Happy Birthday to your Mom. 95 is quite an achievement.
ReplyDeleteLove to you all.
Bless mom and your whole family! Thank you for sharing this happy occasion with us dear. Aloha and best wishes from townside
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful moment and celebration.
ReplyDeleteMy respite client is 95 Wednesday! Hubby Joe is 75 Friday.
Hi Kay! I'm back to blogging after a 2 year hiatus, with a new blog. Happy belated birthday to your mom!
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: Welcome back, Silver!
DeleteHappy birthday to your Mom. Wasn't that a party!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Your mom looks great. What a wonderful and special celebration! I would love a slice of that cake. One of John's sisters-in-law is named Hiroko.
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: No kidding? She must be from Japan. And yes, it was really good cake. 😊
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Mom. I have several friends here who are that age. I enjoy their company.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Kay’s mom!! 95 is quite an accomplishment! My mom made it to 94… but Alzheimer’s finally took her. Your mom is so well cared for, I’m sure she will make 100! You are a wonderful daughter!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Is this BB? I don't know if mom has Alzheimer's or dementia but her memory is fading rather quickly and it's scary as heck!
DeleteSorry, Kay. It's Rian. Commented on my iPhone and that made it Anonymous...
DeleteI am so happy to see her looking so good at 95. It is quite an achievement!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! Your mom always looks so happy. I love to see that. 95 years is quite an accomplishment. I've never quite understood the difference between dementia and Alzheimers. Hmmmm...Off to google.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday to your Mom from me, too. She doesn’t look her age. I’m also surprised to see her plate full of foods. Did she eat them up? I’m so familiar with round birthday cake that square one looks so refreshing. You posted this post by chance on my late mother’s birthday.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Happy birthday 🎂 to her. That's such a great accomplishment
ReplyDeleteOh happy birthday to your dear MOM!! I am late but tell her I am another KAY and she might understand. LOL!!! That chocolate DREAM cake sounds like it is named correctly. xx
ReplyDeleteWow! Wishing Mom a blessed and happy birthday and year ahead! I thought I commented here, but I guess not. Fond best wishes to your family always. With blessings, Aloha from town side
ReplyDeleteHi Cloudia! Happy Wednesday! Yes, you did already send your wonderful greetings earlier. :-)
DeleteWhat a beautiful lady your mother is. And she certainly does not look her age. I love the party favour pile, too. And the chocolate cake. Drooling on my keyboard.
ReplyDeleteNot to worry about posting delays. My commenting delays are much worse. I am catching up four days today. Blushing.