Yesterday I gave a party for my father who is turning 90 yeas old. As is my way, I worried a lot about the event. I got hardly any RSVPS (yes or no) and didnt have any idea who was coming. When I woke up yesterday my father said he was not feeling well and didnt want to drive to my aunts  about and hour away. I went to pick up the cake I had ordered for him a month before and instead of my big sheet cake, there was a small cake made out of cupcakes! Not the best start for the event.

But I kept a good attitude and a sense of humor and we moved forward. I gave dad his meds and the pain pills let him feel better about traveling. The cupcake cake turned out to be the easierst cake I ever served and the next one I buy is likely to be the same.

I was amazed by the event itself. We had it at my autn and uncles house who have now been married 54!! years. %$, I am not even that old. They are two of hte loveliest people I know. Two of my friends came to support me. That was so nice too. The first was my best friend of 25 years, a sister almost, and her llittle boy. The other was a new friend, who I am just gettting to know, but it was very nice and he fit right in. He s=was still there talking to my family after I left.

5 of my dad's grandchildren came, along with some of their spouses and children. Two of dad's great, great grandchildren were there. Also included were my ex-sister in law, my ex-son-in-law and my son's baby mama and her son. We all had a wondeful time sharing stories not only about my mom and dad but other great ememories too.

I discovered that three of the older women in my family have lots of stories, not just about my mom but about my birth mother too. I cant wait to go down and visit with them and get some more stories.

In many ways this was a gift more to me than Dad. I walked away from my extended family many years ago becasause of issues like lcohol and drug abuse and child abuse. What I forgot to take into account is the idea thatthey too rew and changed and aged.. All the things I was avoiding are gone now. Most of the next generation is a lot healthier. I need to grab this gift of famlily while I can , while they are still around.

I cant find the words to really explain the joy I am still feeling from it. I got to see family members I love but have not seen in a long time. I got to know a new friend a little. I got the gift of seeing my nephew Bob, who i love and admire and meet his new wife, all the way from the other side of the state. And he brought picutres of my mother and his father (both deceased) and I got to run down to the local store and make copies of them. :)

So after all my worrying, the day turned out better than I dreamed. Another lesson in trusting God. Thank You God!