Life of the Party

My mom is the upbeat type. But when we spoke on the phone the night before my birthday this past year, she sounded down. I thought she would be happy to hear that a friend was taking me to lunch to celebrate since my husband would be out of town. But it only seemed to make things worse.

What could I do from 450 miles away? I called my brother and sister-in-law, who live closer to Mom. Missy, my sister-in-law, had a great idea. “How about a long-distance birthday party?” she said.

While I was out with my friend at my favorite restaurant, Mom and Missy enjoyed their own party in my honor. Missy brought along a bouquet of flowers and some cake to Mom’s nursing home. She even brought the present she was planning to send me so Mom could see it first. Thanks to video-calling and picture-messaging on our cell phones, we were all able to celebrate together.

It was one of my most memorable birthdays. And Mom was the life of my party!