Today Was Supposed to be November 21st

Toward the end of October, I called my mom, excited about the arrangements I had just made. “Mom, I just booked a Paint ‘n Take party for Lily!” Mom thought the party, where each child would paint a small ceramic figurine, would be perfect for Lily. Lily is a “crafty” kind of girl.

I was a little worried about this kind of party for five-year-olds. How long would it take them to paint a little figurine? 10 minutes? 2 minutes? I just couldn’t see these little kids painting for a whole hour.

“I’ll come and help you,” Mom said.

“Really?” I replied. “Do you really think you can come?” I was so excited.

“I think so!” she said. The last time Mom had been able to travel to our house was last March, to watch Lily’s first ballet recital. I was so pleased that she felt healthy enough to make the six-hour drive to help with her granddaughter’s birthday party!

The middle of November came. I got the call. The call to come to see my mom.

I canceled Lily’s party. I called parents, telling them Lily’s Grandma was sick.

The party was scheduled for November 21. Barely two days later, Mom died.

I didn’t have the heart to reschedule right away. Lily was amazing. She knew I would reschedule, and never once pestered me about her party. She was unbelievably patient for a five-year-old girl.

And so today is the day. Lily’s party, at last! She could hardly go to sleep last night with the excitement of it all.

As for me, I am crying while I write this post. Crying now, so I don’t cry later. Crying now, so that grief doesn’t strike me down in the middle of my darling daughter’s 5th birthday party. The party she’s been waiting for.

Lily with her grandma, March, 2009
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16 Replies to “Today Was Supposed to be November 21st”

  1. Oh Ginny, please accept my sympathies. I am so very sorry for your loss. That is a beautiful picture of your Mom with Lily. I am certain she will be with all of you today, just like she planned.

  2. My heart just BREAKS reading this post. This is a year of many "firsts" for us too. First Christmas w/o Gramma and Grandpa (they died within 2 months of each other). This will be our 7 year olds first birthday party w/o his two most favorite party guests. It hurts. Big time. I feel your pain sista.

  3. ((HUGS)) I know that it is so hard. What a sweet photo with your Mom and Lily. I hope Lily has fun today at her party. God Bless.

  4. So sorry to hear about your loss. I know it must be a rough day for you. Praying for comfort and peace for you! :-)Thanks for visiting my blog on my SITS day!

  5. Hey there. What a bittersweet day this must be for you! I hope the party is wonderful. That is truly amazing that Lily has been so patient and understanding. That is a really sweet picture of the two of them! Praying for you and hope it all goes well!

  6. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. Your little girl is amazing, to understand about the party.I hope you were able to enjoy her day.

  7. I want to cry with you. Your mom should be there with you and Lily today. I'm glad, though, you are able to have a happy day with your beautiful daughter.

  8. Ugh, I'm sorry the party was so hard for you and that your mom couldn't be there.I love that shot of them together. Lily is such a cutie and you're right, she was incredibly patient!!! 🙂

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