Tuesday, January 09, 2007

It's My Birthday..........Sigh

I'm depressed. I'm spending my birthday in bed.

I'm still icing and elevating after my foot surgery on Friday.

It's feeling a little more like it's normal size today. I was able to put some weight on it for the first time today, without gasping in pain, but I'm still supposed to be staying off it, reclining with my foot at heart level. (Not a convenient position, by the way.)

I'm not even reading much or doing any of the other things I thought I'd get to during this time, because--duh--we're homeschooling again, and I'm forcing myself to get back on top of that. (Easier said than done, from bed. Lots of saying, not much doing.)

I have no profound thoughts about my age or my birthday. I'm 42. I feel younger than that. (Just out of college maybe?) But there it is. Forty-two.

I couldn't even get on Blogger till now to put up the news of my birthday, so that you all could join my pity party.

But then my brother called, and my friend called, and my kids brought me lunch in bed. And on my tray were their birthday cards to me:

Dear Mom I love you so much. You're best mother in the world. and I'm not just saying that. I know. Hope you have the greatest birthday EVER. (Bantam 11)

Chicklet 4 wrote her name, and "Mom," with help, and colored a beautiful pink field for me.

Happy Birthday Mom
You are the best mom ever. If I could have any mom it would be you. You are the best mom ever. I love you so much. May the Lord be with you. (Bantam 7)

Dear Mom,

Happy Birthday! I've waited a whole year for you to become an even number again. :]
You are the most amazing mom! Sometimes, I feel so guilty for being the worst child possible to you.
But I've decided to change...as much as I can.
While you're off your feet, I am the mommy of the house.
And it's teaching me good things that I will need to know in the future.
And I'm looking at all the work in as best a way as I can, and thinking, "I'm going to be like my mom!"
You sacrifice so much for me and I am so grateful, even if I don't show it all the time.
I really do hope that once I grow up, get married, and have children myself, I will be as good a mom as you!
I love you so much.
You're unique and crazy and beautiful and fun.
And I love pleasing you and from now on, I'm going to do my best to achieve that!

Love,
Blondechick 14

(Of course she used her real name. And she proceeded to entirely clean up the kitchen--including wiping under the stove burners and inside the microwave!)

I'll probably get one more, too, when Bantam 15.95 gets home from school. (I'll update later--his are always hilarious.) (Update: "Happy Birthday! Mom! I (heart) you, Mom! Hope your foot gets better! Your eldest son, Bantam 16" That's surprisingly unremarkable. I'll have to find the anniversary note he wrote us!)

My in-laws stopped by with 5 gallons of milk, and birthday presents--books, earrings, a red blouse, and a very cool little can opener.

The mail arrived with several cards.

Then my best friend stopped by with flowers, soup, corn bread, salad and a birthday cake!

And Papa Rooster is coming home early today.

I'm feeling better, I think.

I'm pretty blessed.

In spite of everything.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! Hope it's a great day despite being stuck in bed.

Anonymous said...

A Very Blessed Birthday Jeanne! I am so sorry its been a painful one, Ive had those as well, on my 31st birthday I remember I was in such pain from a car accident, it was horrible, and even worse than that was knowing it had deepened my chronic injury. I was crying a lot on that birthday, but also had some very healing moments. It was strange.

I can also relate to the problems of having to lie down in recovery, I had to do that with my surgury a couple months ago, and youre right its not fun at all. It makes your stomach worse lying down, makes you more prone to headaches, makes you get all cranky and achey from not being able to move around, not to mention the pain of the wound itself. Truly, my heart really goes out to you right now Jeanne.

The funny thing is, I havent posted about it but my birthday is later this week. I havent talked about it becuase I still havent been able to wrap my mind around the fact that Im turning 40. 40, I can barely say it, it doesnt sound real. Like you, I just dont see myself as that old, just dont feel it. I was comforted that you shared you were 42, because i thought you were younger. It gives me hope, because you have such a wise yet youthful spirit.

I truly do wish you a blessed birthday. It sounds like even through the pain, maybe even because of the pain, it is opening a door up for your children to reach out more, which in the end could be the nicest birthday gift of all : )

Blessed Birthday, and Blessed New Year : ) Wendy

At A Hen's Pace said...

Ah, Wendy, thanks for your words. They are a comfort!

Jeanne

Linds said...

Happy birthday! Let them all spoil you, and I hope you are on your feet again soon. And 42 is young. Don't let them tell you different!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! This day will probably be one you will always remember. Also remember that you are a blessing to so many of us, so we thank God for your 42 young years! Love, mrsb

Anonymous said...

I hope your birthday was a good one!

Hen Jen said...

Jeanne,

Happy Birthday! I am so sorry you have to spend it in bed! The cards were so sweet, thanks for sharing with us. It does sound like your day got better and better as the day progressed, isn't it wonderful to be loved on by our dear ones?!
I feel younger then I am too. But I am reminded once in a while that I am not, like the time I tried to do a cartwheel/roundoff, realized once I got into the upside down position, it wasn't such a smart idea...and the possibility that I would die suddenly didn't seem to far off...
happy Birthday, and I am so glad you were so blessed on your day!
I am praying your foot heals fast.

Jenny in Ca

Anonymous said...

First, Happy Birthday!!

Second, Blondechick's card brought a tear to my eye.

Finally, you made it to 42, are surrounded by many people that love you immensely, and despite the inconvenience and discomfort, you are healing and will be back on your feet before you know it. You blessed indeed, my friend!!

Donna Boucher said...

Happy belated Birthday!
I'm sorry you are still in pain.

Bless you,
Donna

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday dear Mama Hen!

42 and laid-up...oh bother.

Hope you feel better soon!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I'm sorry I missed your blogger-versery earlier - It was so great to read how your blog has been touching so many people's lives in so many ways! I hope your day was one of rest and love, that your foot heals fast and that the birthday celebrations are extended into the rest of the week (as all good Birthdays should be!)

Much LOVE!!

.m.

At A Hen's Pace said...

Thanks all for further blessing my birthday with your comforting and encouraging words!

Islandsparrow said...

Oh I am sorry that I missed your b-day - I've been a bit under the weather too and am just catching up my blogging buddies. I'm glad that you were surrounded by loving family and friends even though you were not feeling well.

What a kind doctor - I would have been in tears as well.

I hope you are feeling better very soon. I am praying for a speedy recovery.

Anonymous said...

So Sorry to read of your surgery. Happy Belated Birthday! How's the swelling doing?