The Finite Life

I decided to spend my birthday day with my mom and my two boys. I shared this plan with my brother first. 2 days ago, my mom calls to confirm if it is true indeed that I am expecting her to make breakfast, lunch and dinner for me for my birthday?! 

Yes, I had conveniently forgotten to mention my plan to her. I had forgotten to mention the plan to the boys as well.

First off, I confirmed with my mom. Then, I told the boys. ASid was like why don't you go spend your birthday with your mom and we will stay home! I was having none of that and declared that the boys have no choice in the matter.

Yesterday was the day.

We didn't make it for breakfast. We made it just in time for lunch. My mom made these delicate savoury crepes for the 3 of us. Hans felt like it was the best lunch ever. ASid barely ate, but he settled himself in. The idea was to spend time together and we did. I believe we literally spent 6 hours together before we were joined by Craigley, my dad and my brother's family.

Here are some choice quotes and moments:

- At one point in time, ASid wondered if I was enjoying doing nothing at my mom's home?! So I told him that he gets to enjoy doing nothing at his mom's home; I am allowed to do the same for one day!!

- At another point in time, both my mom and I had opposite requests for ASid. My mom wanted him to try this snack she made and I exempted him from it. The boy was in a tricky situation. He chose to go with me as it was my birthday and this is what my mom had to say: Don't forget who gave birth to her!

- And it is never truly a family gathering if Craigley doesn't demonstrate his forgetfulness! Just before dinner, he realized why we were gathered there in the first place.

- And it is never truly a family gathering if my dad doesn't schedule a meeting with some random person in the middle of dinner. My dad disappeared to interview a gardener much to my mom's dismay and annoyance!

- Lastly, the cake turns out to be a chocolate cake which was not what I had requested. But everyone got to enjoy it; so it ended well.

As we drove back home, Hans remarked that he enjoyed all the family drama. As we got home, ASid confessed that he had a good time. He was glad I forced him to join me!

Since I had to have the last word, I quoted from the birthday card my brother gave me. I actually paraphrased to share the gist of it. 

We all wish we have more time to spend with each other. It is wonderful that we have days that give us an opportunity to do so!

This morning, I woke up to the news that my friend H's mom passed away. It is heartbreaking to lose a parent, but it would be even more heartbreaking if we allow ourselves to lose all the opportunities to spend some time with our loved ones when we can.