Sunday, January 24, 2010

Today is party day! Yeah. Tomorrow is her "real" birthday, but today we celebrate. Several of her friends are coming, Laurel & Sergio with daughters Mattie and Maycee, Carolyn, Erin, Vanessa (her aunt) and Vanessa's fiance, Colin, her bf, Paul and the family. Not too many just a core of people who have been helping her for the last three weeks and with whom she's been close. We know that many would want to come, but our dining room can only seat 16 so the 14 that were here about maxed us out. Elizabeth was maxed. She was dog tired at the end of the evening, but so happy to have seen her friends. It is always fun to have younger people about the house. They told stories on themselves and laughter was everywhere.

Elizabeth's father makes the BEST spaghetti sauce. His sauce makes others pale by comparison. Yum. A great salad was made by Karyn. She puts corn kernels in it. That always throws me, but it is so good. The craisons, and homemade candied walnuts don't hurt it either. It is such a good salad. There were three types of french bread: plain buttered, buttered with garlic, and cheesy bread. Then dessert. Good wine, lots of water, and friends sharing a meal.

I cannot say what Elizabeth thought tonight, I didn't ask her, but I know that every guest expressed their heartfelt affection for her and the fact that she is here with us. It was a true celebration of life... hers.

She opened presents and asked for spaghetti sauce to take back to Karyn's. She got a big piece of the dessert for later and off she went... tired, but happy.

Oh, and she told a story on herself and her father. It seems after lunch yesterday they went to Costco, to purchase supplies for today and to look around. Well, the walked by the recliners and both of them have medical issues and tire easily... you guessed it! They each laid back in a chair and feel asleep! In Costco! Ah, Elizabeth— just knowing you makes me a happier person.