Be INSPIRED

Follow along and read about how Ryan spent his final days surrounded by those he loved the most... his FAMILY.

*
You can follow my blog at: dearryno.blogspot.com- Our life in Letters to Ryan
***

September 27, 2010

Oh HAPPY Day...

I celebrated my birthday and it was one of the BEST birthday's EVER!!!
I have never been one to get super excited or be sad about turning one year older, but this year was a little different.
When friends would ask me if I was excited to do something fun for my birthday, I had mixed feelings- yes and no. I was definitely excited to get out and celebrate, but at the same time not really looking forward to it because the ONE thing I wanted and would WISH for wouldn't be there. I usually started to tear up when people asked, because really, I just wanted Ryan. I just wanted to hear him say, " Happy Birthday Babe!" or just to get a glimpse of those beautiful blue eyes staring at me as I opened my presents and blew out my candles. So the thought of NOT having that, made me really sad.
*
As my birthday neared, the mailbox was often filled with cards and packages from family and friends. I would take them inside and place them neatly on the bed in the spare bedroom. It was fun to walk by that room every day and see all the cards and gifts that were piling up JUST for me.
For birthdays, I always lay out the presents in the kitchen for the birthday person to wake up to. But it's just not the same when you are doing this for yourself, so I just left mine in the spare bedroom.
So on the morning of my birthday, I got Hallie ready for school and as she is eating breakfast she asks if I could save my presents for opening until after she gets home from school. I happily agreed and then decided to start taking all the present from the spare bedroom and put them out in the kitchen. (I guess I kind of wanted to see my presents out in the kitchen after all) As I started bringing them over, Hallie says, "MOM, can you open them NOW?!?!?!?"
"Of course" I told her.
I was really glad she asked me to open them because secretly, I did NOT want to wait!
I started off with my Birthday CARDS, reading all of them out loud to the kids. Some made me laugh really hard and others brought a smile and tear to my face.
~ It was now time for my presents~
I opened my first few gifts and was VERY excited with the contents inside... then I moved on to my two last gifts.
I opened the first and cried after reading the sweet note Ryan's mom enclosed with it and then moved on to my last present. I saw a card on the bottom of the present and decided to start with it. As I was opening the envelope, I saw ANOTHER envelope. Another envelope- WHAT?!?
****
***
**
*
(My heart started beating REALLY, really FAST and hard!)
*
**
***
****
As I pulled it out, I saw this:

and then this:
As soon as I saw that handwriting, I knew who it was from and well... I just cried.
I cried so much I really couldn't do much else because I couldn't see through all the tears.

Still TOTALLY crying, I open up the envelope to see this cute, glittery card:
...and the kids just stood there staring.
The kids stood there waiting for me to read the card and I couldn't get ANYTHING out. Finally Hallie says, "Mom... who is it from?" I couldn't even say, "Your Dad." So, she walked up next to me and began reading it and says, "Oh... it's from Daddy!" I just smiled and then tried my hardest to read through all the tears:

I finally made it to the end and let's just say it was the BEST present EVER, BIGGEST surprise and the BEST way to start off my Birthday morning!!!
I had absolutely NO idea I would be getting that card. My day could have ended RIGHT then an I would have been SO happy and content, but my day was just beginning.
Plenty more surprises awaited...
I noticed cars had been honking early in the morning, but didn't think much of it...
Well, some pretty clever friends decided to make signs for the front yard that said,
"HONK for Margie's Birthday"
I laughed really hard realizing that all those honks at 6:30 am were for ME :)
Then a few of my other friends and their kids decorated my front door and porch with balloons and my garage with a HUGE "Happy Birthday Margie" sign. I especially loved the zebra print letters- very cute!
Thanks guys... so thoughtful and cute!
I my friends!
*
It was now time for breakfast with some of my closest friends
Yum!

... and then lunch with these special ladies
My morning and afternoon were spent eating and chatting with my BEST friends- food and fun, can't beat that!

Night came and I headed over to a friends house for some yummy cake and ice cream, except it wasn't really JUST cake and ice cream but....
~A ToTALly AweSoMe (surprise) 80's BirThDay BaSH~

What made the party even AWESOMer was that I had two VERY special people come and surprise me.

Not only did they drive 12+ hours to be there, but they also dressed up:
I laughed SO hard at my dad's faux-leather pants and my moms stirrup pants and jacket with BIG shoulder pads.

Parents and a party were just the icing on the cake to an already wonderful day!

*I LOVE my PARENTS*
and
my AMAZING friends that did SO much to make my birthday EXTRA special.

I really couldn't have asked for a better day. Pretty much everything I wanted I got...

and one day, I will get my EVERYTHING.


Thank you friends and family for the thoughtful cards, gifts and for ALL the birthday love.

To describe the day in one word: PERFECT!

***TEAM RYAN FOREVER***

22 comments:

Cheryl said...

That is amazing. You had me crying too. What a great birthday and great friends.
That party looks like a blast! I love your outfit- and your parents!!
The cake is pretty awesome too.
Happy birthday Margie! Thank you for sharing such a special day with us.

Willis Family said...

What a great birthday!! I need to always make sure I have a box of tissues when I read :) You always have such touching, amazing experiences. It continues to show me what a loving Heavenly Father we have-he's kept you surrounded by friends who care so much and such a loving husband who continues to touch us through the veil.
Thanks for always sharing!

Donna said...

Wow, Margie. Ryan thought of everything. You are so blessed to be surrounded by loving, and caring friends. It just goes to show how special you really are.

John + Jamie = A Delavan Family said...

happy belated birthday! wow, is all i can say and i agree with andrea, you really do need klenix on hand to read your posts, but i love them, i love you and i am so, so happy Ryan made your birthday extra special!! so good. well i'm giving you a big belated birthday hug. i love you.
jamie
ps. love the cindy loper sp? music to go with the sweet 80's birhday party! who made that cake? that is one great cake. :)

Tanya said...

I'm so glad you had a "Perfect" Birthday! I agree with everyone else.... Bring out the Kleenex before reading!!! I loved it! I'm so happy that you got a card from Ryan! How Neat and comforting on your birthday! How awesome that your parents were able to attend your party, and even dress up!! Aren't parents wonderful..? I'm so glad that your surrounded by such a great group of friends. What a blessing! Happy Birthday!

Seth and Julie said...

I don't know why I just noticed this update on my blogger list today? What the heck. I could have been smiling about this post for a week already.

Every year at the end of September I remember that I missed your b-day and Katelin's too and feel like such a crappy friend. Seeing all these surprises confirms it. I need to get a calendar or something. I am so glad so many of your friends made the day amazing, and how fun to have your parents there in 80's gear. I love it!

I love that Ryan made a guest appearance as well!!!

Also, you look freakin' gorgeous...even with 80's clothes and hair.

Happy Late Birthday! Love you!

The Amos Family said...

How awesome! Sounds like the perfect day. I would've totally been there if someone would've told me about it. Happy Birthday!
Deidre

Heather said...

Happy Birthday again Margie! I dont know how Ryan did it...leaving cards and messages for you all still. That is so awesome. He really was a thoughtful guy! Thanks again for sharing your amazing experience...it never ceases to touch me! You have such an awesome support system and friends and your parents are totally rad for joining in on the fun. I love ALL the 80's attire and hair styles! So much fun! (:

peter said...

Your parents are too cool Margie, glad it was a great day for you. Ryan continues to inspire me. Thank you, you WILL get that one thing you really want for your birthday someday.

in time out said...

it is a little late for a happy birthday, so how about happy October, or happy Wednesday, or happy morning. Whatever and where ever you are know that you inspired me today. I came over from Reality Hits the Fan...she is a big fan of YOU. I am a BIG fan of her and would follow her anywhere. I guess I followed her here today and I am so glad I did. You are amazing, and will be in my prayers. GO TEAM! and may you have all you wish...someday ♥

Ryanne said...

I'm so glad you had such special friends to celebrate the day with and to make you feel extra loved. And that your parents drove all the way out and dressed up, they have got to be the most awesome parents ever for doing that! Happy belated birthday.

Katelin said...

I'm so glad you had such a great day, and I have been thinking of you and that awesome surprise party Ryan threw for you one year--complete with Pizza Hut pizza!! Yum! You are so amazing and I love you!

whirligigdaisy said...

Ah, Happy Birthday!

taggdarci said...

Hi there! We don't know each other and I honestly don't remember how I came across your blog, but I'm so glad I did. I started reading earlier this year, my Uncle fought a similar battle and passed away at the end of April. He was only 56 yrs. old. Anyway, I LOVE your posts. You have such a way with words, kleenex - I agree is a must. I pray for you and your sweet kids often. You are inspiring and help me to strive to be better! Thank you for continuing this blog, we're still cheering on Team Ryan! Not sure if you've heard of The Sullengers, but they just lost their sweet daughter this summer. She has an amazing msg. that she posted today, if you get a chance her site is patrickandashley.blogspot.com. May the Lord continue to bless and comfort you all!

Mandi Moon said...

Can I tell you how hard it was to read your post through my tears? I can only imagine how hard it was for you to read your card. :) I'm so happy that you had such a great birthday. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more!!!

Brooke Hunt (aka Mr. Burns) said...

what a fun & perfect day... when we were driving to the farmers market the day before...I heard you planning breakfast, & lunch... and I knew it was your bday, and I knew about your parents, and I hoped Ryan had left a card... and I was bursting inside with so many questions & excitement for you to see your parents... but I said nothing, because I didn't want to ruin any of it... sounds like it went the way you'd hoped! LOVE you! you're amazing! Thanks for everything you do, and the spirit you do it in...
oh- and like I said before- you look cute in spandex!!

The Bloxham Bunch said...

I love your post. I'm so glad you had a great birthday. You have such wonderful friends, what a great blessing they are. And what a wonderful husband. It gave me chills seeing the pictures of his card to you. What an amazing gift to recieve on your birthday.

Jacob & Amanda peters said...

What a blast! Happy birthday (late) Margie, You deserved a wonderful fun filled day. I love that song: girls just wanna have fun! I love the 80's!Thanks for sharing your day with us.
love,
Amanda

Unknown said...

Happy Belated Birthday Gorgeous girl! I absolutely love the 80s look on you---thanks for sharing all that you do. Luv yous, Taylor

Kim said...

I'm a little late sending my birthday wish to you, Margie, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I'm so glad you had a special day and that you were surrounded by loved ones--especially your parents! How cool!!! Or should I say "totally radical?" :) Hugs from the Thacker family!

Miranda said...

This post made me smile. And then I heard the song "girls wanna have fun" and I really started to smile. I guess there are a few good things from the 80's. I'm so glad you had a great day!!

body lift said...

This was just beautiful day for you. The post cars is just looking beautiful. Lots of love including it for you.