Oh, Sherry!

We just finished celebrating my sweet Momma’s 70th birthday. In classic Sherry style, it was a destination invasion of the Charleston, SC area. With sixteen individuals in a house on Isle of Palms, multiple parties (including a “Through the Decades” themed costume party), good food (my first oyster roast), ample booze, great tunes, dancing, singing, and a TON of laughter, this had to be one of the most bucket-filling moments of my life thus far… and I’ve had a few, so that’s saying a lot (especially since it wasn’t even MY birthday)!

My daughter, Karlyle, said it best tonight before bed…

“I want to rewind and do it all again!”

It is hard to look at my mom and actually believe that she is 70 years old. She’s a whippersnapper of the most energetic kind. She literally does not know how to be still. Her body is always on the go, her mind manages to keep up, and her mouth is either false starting or leading the way (it just depends on the day).

We have always been close, my mom and me. I was a precocious child, my teenage years were not overly dramatic nor tumultuous, and, as adults, we are great friends. Now, don’t get me wrong, she is quick to comment on my hair, my outfit, my household, and my parenting as any mom might do (despite my being a dutifully employed, home-owning, 41-year-old grown ass mother of three). However, I’ve learned to either ignore her or speak freely back to her with, “it’s my hair,” “don’t care,” “feel free to clean it up if it bothers you,” or a “you raised me, so trust me to raise them.” Strong women breed strong women. Just sayin’!

Nevertheless, at the end of the day… literally EVERY, SINGLE DAY… I count my mom among my greatest blessings. She is the kind of mom that every child should have and that every grandchild would want. I mean, she could drop fewer f-bombs per week, but I’m not going to be that picky given all the other “pros”—we’ll just call it her expressive and feisty spirit.

I’ve decided that my mom has done something right in life. Why? Because she clearly does not know a stranger. There’s a song I adore– the “theme song” of Up with People– and it says, “you meet ’em wherever you go.” THAT is my mom. Need proof? Check out those in attendance at her party. The friendship, support, and genuine love that was shown to her this weekend was humbling, impressive, beautiful… and kind of random.

She had family…

• Her three children
• Her two daughters-in-law
• Three of her five grandchildren
• Her niece
• Her sister-outlaw
• Cousins of all ages on all sides

She had friends old and new(er) from…

• High school (Go Churchland Truckers!)
• College (Go Hokies!)
• Her teaching career
• Our old neighborhood
• Her current hometown

There was…

• Her hairdresser
• Her financial advisor
• Her DirecTV/home surround sound installer
• Her gardening/yard buddy
• Her beau
• Friends of friends
• Siblings of friends
• Her children’s friends
• Friends of her children’s friends
• Friends by marriage
• Friends by circumstance
• Friends by chance
• Friends by choice

In short, a whole bunch of people who love mom took the time and made the trip to celebrate her! And, that is just who attended… her dentist, jeweler, interior decorator, my dad/her ex-husband, and more were on the list too, but couldn’t make it.

I often tell my three daughters that experiences and the memories made are what matters in life, not gifts or material things. While the party was just for a weekend, the planning, costume selections, and preparations were all part of the fun, all part of the memories made.

I feel certain that my girls will recall this party—their Nana’s 70th birthday—as one by which all other parties are measured (at least for the foreseeable future). I’m so happy my girls witnessed firsthand how much their Nana is loved… beyond their own love for her. I know there are songs, pictures, and moments forever etched in their minds (and mine!) that will elicit happy feelings.

These are the stories and souvenirs from life that echo through the years… the ones told at weddings, funerals, births, and holidays… the ones that shape you, mold you, and make you.

I think my mother is a one hell of a remarkable and special lady. I’ll also admit that I don’t always make time to tell her how much I appreciate and love her. Moreover, I’m so happy that others feel the same way– enough so that they took time out of their busy lives, took a day or two off work, and left their own families, responsibilities, and obligations to show her how wonderful she is by celebrating this milestone birthday.

To all of you who were with us this weekend in person or in spirit, THANK YOU!

To you, momma, well I might as well use the lyrics from “your” song:

“Oh [Sherry], our love…Holds on, holds on.”

Happy 70th Birthday, Mom! I love you!

P.S.—Let’s start planning your 75th!