As I waited for April 23rd to arrive for my 80th birthday, I thought of the surprise birthday party we girls planned and orchestrated for our mother. It was a big event with entertainment. My sisters, Minnie in AL and Martha in NM, collected names and address for the guests, mostly family. The party was a complete surprise for Mother and she thoroughly enjoyed it. We sisters sang to her while Martha signed the words, a real treat. Mother thanked us by giving the sign for love. Pictures of the party and guests made the memories last longer. Our brother, Tom, phoned Mother when she got back to her apartment.
This April I thought of Mother’s 80th birthday mainly for the reason of comparison. Remembering Mother, I thought of her then as old. But as I looked in the mirror on my day and saw the resemblance to my mother, I didn’t think I looked as old as I remembered her.
It’s like a joke greeting a friend sent me: “A lady told her friend on her birthday, ‘You don’t look like you’re 80 years old,’ and then added, ‘but I remember when you did.’” Do we ever look our age or behave such?
I’m now 80 years old and in my 81st year, the way Mother would put it. I told Bill that now he can officially call me, “Ole Lady.” That’s what his dad called his mom all their married life together. To top it off, I’m grateful for these 80 years and even ask the Lord to grant me more so that I can complete my dreams.
Sisters with Mother on her 90th birthday.
Ann Coker 