Since there isn't a birthday present under our Christmas tree this year, since I can't call you on the telephone to tell you Happy Birthday, since I can't sit on your lap, reflect and watch the kids play at Shrimp Fest this year, I thought I should send my birthday wishes to you in heaven.
You would be 55 this year here on earth! Uncle Paul, Uncle Norm and Aunt Deb would wake up extra early in their attempt to be the first to wish you Happy Birthday. I am sure they will still wake up extra early and you will be the first thing on their minds. I'm sure you will still have a birthday celebration in heaven. I wonder what it consists of-does the angelic choir sing for you? What do you look like-are you eighteen and in flip flops? What do you smell like-do you wear Obsession cologne? I wonder these things often.
"I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable."
I know that when it is my time I will immediately know who you are, but I still wonder what the spirit body is like. Do you get to choose which age your body will appear to be in heaven? Or is it the age you were when you left your earthly body, just free of disease and not perishable? I will probably just know it's you because you will be waiting with open arms to give me a hug. I wish so badly that I could give you a birthday hug. I wish so badly that you would be arriving early at Uncle Paul's to help him make the shrimp or arguing over which market offered the best price. I wish even more that I could have one more conversation with you before your stroke and brain cancer.
Many of the usual suspects aren't coming this year. Sometimes I wish I could just say, no, I'm not coming either. Maybe it would be easier this year just to stay home with my children. I'm sure Heid wouldn't allow it (and would probably bring the entire Shrimp Fest to my house if I tried), but the thought did cross my mind. I doubt I could stay away anyways because I know you'd be yelling at me from there. This is a Runion tradition, we do this every year, get your butt over there and like it. So, I'm going. At least Uncle Paul didn't assign me monkey tators or salmon cheese ball or another one of the traditional dishes that I would have been crying the entire time I was preparing it.
So far the firsts have been easier than thinking about the firsts so maybe it will be ok. Knowing me, I probably won't even cry, well, unless I decide to attempt Christmas Eve service! But you will be in my every thought as you have been all week. I hope this birthday is your best one yet. I hope that you can feel all of our love that we are sending and can hear all of the stories we are telling about you. I am happy that you are not in pain anymore. I am happy that you can speak freely and not struggle to find the correct words. I am happy that you can run without your knees hurting and don't have to rely on anyone to complete daily tasks.
I hope Granny has a present for you wrapped in birthday paper, that Papa is seasoning the heavenly shrimp with beer and you are covering the tables in newspapers. That you are sitting with your friends and loved ones enjoying a big piece of cake in a bowl of milk. I told you that we would be ok, most days we are. We miss you so much and love you even more. Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas Eve Daddy! And yes, Stace, his birthday is on Christmas Eve every year;)
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