Thursday, December 16, 2010

Happy Birthday, Mom!

December 16th.  I get a little weepy this time of year, and sometimes it takes me a while to figure out why.  I'll feel the meloncholy creeping in and wonder, "What's up with this?"- and then I realize, not only is it the most wonderful time of the year, but today is Mom's birthday.  And that explains my emotion.

She's been somewhere other than on this earth for over 5 years now.  This is the first Christmas we're not going out of town since she died.  Once she died, Christmas time changed pretty dramatically, and we didn't know what to do with ourselves.  So we would go out of town.  As if going out of town helped us forget that she wasn't around anymore.  It didn't, by the way. 

The thing is, at least for me, I like being at home for Christmas.  Just like Mom did.  Mom was a homebody, and that is a quality I must have picked up from her.  She isn't here anymore, but I definitely feel closer to her when I'm at home.

I try to treat myself kindly on December 16th in honor of Mom.  Sometimes I go to a movie.  Sometimes I just lay around the house all day and let myself be sad if I want to be. 

This year, December 16th just happened to be the day that the purchase of my new car was finalized.  It feels like the perfect coincidence-
Happy Birthday, to my Mom- who would've been 75 years old today, and who would've been the passenger in my sweet ride tonight...

17 comments:

Unknown said...

Awesome!!!! Thanks for making it a reminder of her today, Kerri.
No coincidence........Fleetwood

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday to your mom. I bet she can hear our wishes.

bobbi

p.s.
...great car!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Kerri, I'm sorry. I haven't lost either of my parents so I can't even imagine what it must be like so the best I can do is just...
well, i guess just say sorry.

I like what you said here, She's been somewhere other than on this earth for over 5 years now.

It's a sentiment that I like to think is true. After we discard this body that our spirit was residing in we go... well somewhere.

By the way... that is a pretty sweet looking ride.
hugs to you and yours on your momma's birthday.

Rob

Barbara German said...

Thinking of you during this time....

Suzi said...

Congratulations on your new car, looks very nice. I hope you have a Merry Christmas at home this year!

Jadyn @ Dutch.British.Love said...

Treating yourself kindly is a great way to remember you mother and celebrate her birthday...

Your new car is awesome. Beautiful coincidence/synchronicity. xoxo

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

lovely hugs and thoughts your way my friend...xoRobin

Anonymous said...

Dearest Kerri, our bodies always know even when we don't. I'm so sorry for your loss. You're honoring your mom by taking care of you, and I'm sure that makes your mom happy!

Enjoy your sweet ride with your mom by your side and celebrate all you have because you were loved and are loved...

And thank you for your kind well wishes. I'm back to my sassy self :)

Unknown said...

Blessings to you and your sweet family at this time my dear friend. love, Elaine

Roberta said...

My heart goes out to you Kerri and feel for you because I can so understand. Our Dad passed away 6 years ago the day before his birthday, Oct. 24th 2004 and the holidays simply are not the same. Time doesn't heal it...it just gives you different coping skills. Do the best you can is all that you can do. Fondest wishes and the most benevelent prayers for you. Roberta {hugs}

Lisa said...

Wow - I'm sure your mom was smiling on her birthday and happy for you. I hope you are enjoying your new ride!
The holidays are so hard without our moms. My husband lost his mom this September so it's going to be a totally different Christmas for us too. There is just something about being "home" that brings comfort. I hope you find comfort too.
Hugs...

Anonymous said...

Its a good day to remember her... I do the same thing, I'd much rather celebrate my mums birthday than the other awful day to remember her
(the day we lost her) It makes so much more sense. Ill be thinking of you and your mum. xxxx

Laurie said...

Aww...I still remember my first Christmas after my mother's passing. She died the week before Thanksgiving in 1999. In fact, everyone in my family seems to either come into or leave this world between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. For a few years after Mom passed, we went to my aunt's house for Christmas. Now we stay home...it just feels better that way.

Jessica said...

What a touching blog post. Thanks for sharing this with all of us. I'm happy to read that yo find yourself in good spirts. Happy Birthday to your Mother. I'm sure she proud to see that you keep her memory alive. God bless you and your family! ;)

doggie mamma said...

Beautiful post Kerri. May her memory always comfort you. Good for you for taking care of yourself on her birthday, such a lovely way to honor her. Ps I found your blog through Diane, I have loved to read what you have been up to and your voice, both written and in song, is beautiful!

Kerri said...

your sweet words are so appreciated! thank u so much everybody. i am really so glad i have met you either in real life, or just in the beautiful bloggy world!!

soraya nulliah said...

oh sweet Kerri!! My heart goes out to you...but I just know that somewhere your mom is just beaming to see how wonderful you turned out! Sending you so much love this Xmas. xxx