“Don't be sad because the joy you have in the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
Today is a special day to me as it would have been Piper’s 66th birthday. When the kids were growing up, we had a tradition when celebrating a birthday, where we tried (budget allowing) to prepare whatever meal the honored individual requested. This morning I had to ellicit the help of our kids in order to remember what Piper’s normal birthday request was. You see, she didn’t necessarily have a favorite meal that she asked for each year… like most of the rest of us did.
So, the kids sent texts back naming various “favorites” of hers over the years including salmon, spaghetti and meatballs with a big tossed green salad and garlic bread, tacos… with grated carrots as part of the garnish of course… and barbequed hot dogs with Josh’s home-made salsa and chips. The one thing I did remember though, was the chocolate cake and mint-chip ice cream for dessert.
She definitely had a sweet tooth, but was very controlled in her yielding to it! She’s the only person I’ve known who could take a week to eat a candy bar… just a little bite here and another bite there throughout the week! When I went through the items in her purse before the move out here, the paraphernalia inside included a couple of granola bars and numerous small bags of Reese’s Pieces!
But ah… her occasional yielding to those sweet confections only seemed to highlight her outgoingly sweet personality. Her almost tangible glow, her bright eyes, her encouraging words and that contagious smile were the marks of Piper that caused her to stand apart from most others.
The joy that encapsulated her entire being was also one of the major keys to her spiritual, mental, emotional and physical strength… which made the attack of Alzheimer’s upon her brain and body a total surprise to those of us close to her. I could probably count the times on less than one hand, when I saw her with a sad look upon her face. I wouldn’t be surprised if the idea of “turning a frown upside down” started after someone’s interaction with my wife!
So, with many poignant thoughts and memories, I wish you a very happy birthday today Sweetie! I mentioned in the first paragraph that this “would have been” Piper’s 66th Birthday but in reality… I guess it still is! She’s just having her party in another realm! I hope that she thoroughly enjoys whatever feast is prepared for her from the heavenly kitchens and as she bites into her large slice of chocolate cake, takes a little peek down to us as we are thinking about how much her personal presence in our lives blessed us!
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