HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARY LOU!

Today is my "little" sister Mary's birthday. I will be kind to her and not reveal her age. I want to dedicate this blog to her on her special day. I don't have any pictures with just her, but I do have a couple that I don't think she has with some of us.

The Jarman cousins LtoR:
Chris, Mary, Doug, Mark, Alan, Linda, Robie
(We were too poor for shirts!)
1955

Mary and Robie
1958'ish

Jarman Kids
1958'ish

When we were young, (I can hardly remember that far back!), we used to use our imaginations for playing games. In the summer time, when the "monsoon" arrived and we would have wonderful dust storms, we would get our little red wagon and pretend that we were pioneers trudging across the plains. We would place our arms across our foreheads to block out the dust. You probably had to be there.

We also used to "wash" our hair in the wagon using rain water. It's a good thing we had such a good mother, because I don't remember her ever getting mad at us for that. I think I would have yelled at my kids for the same thing.

I remember Mary letting me get into her bed at night when I couldn't sleep. I was a woose and she was brave. I had lots of trouble sleeping even as a kid. When I was scared, she would hold my hand. She was always a better sister than me.

Growing up, we fought like cats and dogs. As we left home and started our own lives, we became very close. We used to get together with our young children and bake or do crafts. It was always at her house because mine was too big a mess!

We both used to work for American Greetings putting out cards. We would get together and help each other sometimes and then we would "do" lunch. We always had such fun!

I miss that closeness now. She has moved to Utah and we don't get to see each other often. Our lives have drifted apart physically, but I still feel very close to her. I have always counted her as one of my best friends.

So, Mary, I hope if you read this that today will be extra special for you. I hope that your pain will lessen at least for one day. May you enjoy the day and hear from all those who love you. I love you.

Robie.

Birthdays

Today was my birthday. It started out kind of rocky for me. I woke up this morning smelling my mother. I don't know if she was near me, or if my subconscious was playing tricks. Anyway, it made my first thing in the morning rather emotional. This is the first time that she has not called and sung "Happy Birthday" to me.
Then my friend called to wish me happy birthday and to see if I was ok. She said she had a feeling I wasn't. She is too perceptive.

Anyway, I have talked to each of my children. My husband remembered (he wrote himself a note). I got an email from one brother and a voicemail from one sister. My dad called and sang to me and yes, I got emotional again. He has always sung it with Mom.

Everyone at work remembered me (of course, they announced it in the morning announcements!). A friend took me to lunch and we met another friend that we used to work with at Kino Jr. High.

All in all, it was a very nice day. I got flowers, candles, chocolate, scrapbook stuff, and gift cards to the scrapbook store. Sarah made a wonderful meal on Sunday for my birthday and Christopher and Jill made a cake.

I truly am blessed by those around me. I just wish I wasn't getting old!

Well, that's it for now. Until later...