The secret party

How do you celebrate 5 years of LIFE?

Honestly?  I don't know.  

I did it.  Although nobody probably realized it at the time.

You see, Elise's D-anniversary falls during a crazy time.  Right between her and Mattias's birthdays.  In the span of three days, we have three things to celebrate.  Not to mention that my birthday is within a week of all of it. That, my friends, is a lot of cake.

So we never actually deliberately set aside a celebration time.  I usually sit with Elise and have some cuddle-time while I explain that (fill in the number) of years ago, her life was saved.  And that I am so thankful for the medicine that keeps her healthy and here with us.

Because we have always thrown a joint birthday party for Elise and Mattias, the guest list gets a little big.  Okay, out of control. But it's not my fault. You know how they say that about half of all invitees will decline?

Our party had 3 people say no.

That meant 91 people said yes.

This isn't new... every year I seem to over-invite.  I think last year, 70+ people came to the party.  Fred wonders why I have to invite so many people, and I think the answer lies in the fact that her first birthday party was ruined... for it was in the middle of that party that we received the call from her doctor to take her to the hospital. I don't even have any pictures from my first born's, first birthday party.  Mommy guilt.

But enough psychoanalysis for now...

Luckily, the party was outdoors at a local playground that had a soccer field and a spray park.  My Mom, who always comes for the festivities, helped me make sure the party was a success. That help included making food for those 91 people.

The day of the party was crazy.  I hardly had time to breathe as people started to arrive.  I flitted around, taking gifts, inviting people to eat, and making small talk.  But I still was able to find a few silent moments just for myself.  And I  stood and I watched.

While she was surrounded by people who adored her.

Friends who wanted to play with her.

As she sailed through the air on a zip line, giggling and without fear

I saw her run off to the spray park; pump prominently displayed for all to see, and not caring one bit.

I watched her eat cake.  And chips. Sandwiches and juice.  All without worry and being bolused with ease.

And while singing Happy Birthday, I whispered a small prayer of thanks as I celebrated three things that day; the birth of my daughter, the birth of my son, and the saving of a life 5 years ago.