Because the reunion was on the 26th of August and Gran's birthday was on the 27th, we had a birthday cake, complete with candles, which my brother and I blew out in honour of Gran's birthday. Birthdays were a big thing for her, always eagerly looked forward to and celebrated in a big way. I usually had her birthday dinners at my place but occasionally we did something different. On her 80th birthday we rented a hall at the beach; on her 85th birthday, she rode my nephew's Harley-Davidson motorcycle; one birthday we went to Disneyland (with grandkids in tow); and on another occasion, a room was rented to accommodate more guests.
Christmas was also an eagerly anticipated occasion but her birthdays were, by far, what she enjoyed the most. And that is why we honour her memory at the time of her birthday. To Mom/Gran, you are in our thoughts.
Sadly, we have never done this for my father. When he passed, many years ago, I was a young single, working mother of five children with no time, resources or energy to organize something to remember him although no one would ever forget him. His birthday wasn't a good time either being the day after Christmas. His favourite time of the year was Christmas though and we often speak of him with loving thoughts during the year but always during that season.
He was a fantastic father, a great husband and a wonderful man. Even those grandchildren who were very young when he died, remember Grandpa and the things he did with them. He enjoyed children and always had something special for them when they came to visit. And he was always interested in them. My son who was only three when he died followed him everywhere. He adored his Grandpa. And so to my dear father, who has been such a huge loss in all of our lives, I say you are also thought of with love.
