Today we celebrated my Mom’s birthday with most of the immediate family gathered around a common table.  We began a new tradition today.  A family meal at a restaurant, instead of a meal at Mom’s house.  We were very aware of the empty chair.  Mom and Dad’s birthdays are four day apart so we usually celebrate their big days together.  We usually would buy one cake and put both of their names on it to save calories and money.  Here’s a link to a favorite video of last year’s birthday celebration.  Happy Birthday 2015

I am grateful for this quieter day and the gathering of siblings, grandchildren and the one great grandchild.  Benjamin lights up the room with his smile and discovery of new words.  Four generations gathered together, in our grief and in our joy, to remember that loves binds us as a family.