Birthday Toast

Thanks for hosting us for a drink tonight Mom.

I'd be lying if I said this was just as good as having you here in a way that's a little more interactive but it gave us some happiness knowing you would appreciate the illicit quality of the three of us and Genghis in the car visiting your site after dark with champagne and Dixie cups.  When I say "would" appreciate I feel compelled to mention the thoughts of a Man of Science who was in touch with me today.  He reached out to assure me that there is such a thing as a hereafter.  Among the things I deeply miss about you is your skepticism concerning Men of Science.  I have no one to share this skepticism with any more.  Of course the other skepticism we share is of faith and belief in an afterlife.  Still, I'm glad he said that.  I hope he is right. 

There is much else I miss about you so I am trying to be more like you to feel the loss a little less.  For one I am trying take seriously the idea that the significance of this time of year is as a time to experience and show love and gratitude for the people around you.  In that spirit I have been motivated to cook for other people and especially to make some of the things you made.  If you feel so moved, can you relay the recipe for cheese olives?  I found something on line but I'm suspicious of it.  I really need to get this straight from you.  If you could send it to me in a dream I'll trust the source.

You'll note we've been derelict with the stone but we'll get that up soon.  Just know we love you and though we each try in our faith-challenged ways to find consolation and to believe you're somewhere better, we would really prefer to just have you here with us to celebrate.  I know you would understand or maybe you do, who knows.

Happy Birthday, Mom.