Tumbled Words

Oh Leon, it’s your birthday, I know, you already know.

Gee, only 59, that isn’t even an important birthday, grin. I debated telling the rest of the world how wonderful you are, you did say once, “Do NOT put me on a pedestal.”

I never once considered revealing your lack of flaws, though. Everyone has flaws, who on earth would believe you didn’t? But at least they are few enough to keep track of, grin…. (Yes, I am laughing hysterically, but then, what else would you expect?)

I never once considered showing them the still well-developed biceps and forearms (can’t remember the name of that muscle), after all, you don’t like to show off and I would prefer not to give you reason for online retaliation.

I couldn’t tell them all the hysterically funny (and quick) responses you give on an almost daily basis, only because I can’t remember the exact wording once I’ve heard them, and we all know I like details to be correct. Besides, I always mess up your jokes in the retelling.

Now, I could tell them all you do for me, but that would be way too long a post, actually multiple posts, and, besides, I have hinted at some of that before. You know they remember those things, because you probably got a few men in trouble for not doing the same.

So, instead, I will just say, Happy Birthday, Leon! I adore you!

But I will post a photo that will bring back great memories to both of us, our stops at Starbucks in Leavenworth on our way to and from jobs in Eastern Washington.

OK, so it was not always Starbucks that made you smile like that, more like my shutting up because you agreed to stop….

P.S. Remember 114 years old will be here sooner than you think, and just because you are special - and it is your birthday - and 55 more years of putting up with each other - I’m actually going to get off this computer and wash dishes and clean something - just to make you smile. I’m sure I can get something done in the next two hours, though I am hungry, maybe I should have a snack first, oops, I never ate lunch. Could it be I am following in someone else’s footsteps? Guess I will have to work faster - after lunch.

Happy upcoming 60th year!

Tags: birthdays, Leon, photo

And so, Mom, how goes it up there? Is it what you expected? I assume you are still looking down on us and I figured our traveling across country twice would have gotten your attention, you so wanted to travel more. I tried to get a condo on the beach since I know that was your dream - and is one of mine, too, but that will have to wait, too many condo associations are going under, people are paying their mortgages if they can and not their association fees.

I know at times it probably seems to you I don’t miss you, but hey, I hear your words so often it is almost like you are here - and yeah, I know how proud you are of your grandsons. And I know you probably had something to say to the “powers that be” about not being around to see your great granddaughter. I bet he is still having second thoughts about that decision - assuming he decided - you know you and I don’t see eye to eye on that one.

So, do they have golf up there for you and dad - or have you chosen a new hobby? Or did y’all just revert back to Scrabble and Rummy? I’m sure you and Dad had catching up to do since he died so much before you. I bet you had something to say about that, too, but then it was amazing to see you grow into your new role of a woman on her own, learning to survive… Good lesson for those observing - we can do it, not that we have to like it. But I am NOT dealing with Medicare, Medicaid, and all that stuff — you had patience for it, I don’t. So, pull some strings, OK?

One more question. Can I assume you are still braver than me? I mean, I have caught up a bit! But, I’m not wielding a golf club to protect someone doing laundry in a backyard at the end of a dead end road that bordered the woods when a known rapist is hiding in the area! I would have told your brother to forget the laundry getting done - do it himself if he wanted it done. But I understand that his employee didn’t feel she had that option and you were just protecting her…. That was in the 1950’s though, Mom, but you know, nothing’s changed in that respect, still a lot of woman would have felt obligated… a shame…

But it did make a great visual, your little five feet with that golf club way out there by the clothesline watching the woods around y’all so she could get the laundry hung up. Of course, back then I was too scared to appreciate the irony of it. I was mad at you, too. I thought it was stupid to go out there just to hang up laundry… and guess what, I still do, though I admire you for helping her!!

Gotta go, I’ll write more — just, you know I get lost in reading and my poetry — and in bugging Leon. Say hi to Dad. Tell him I’m still glad I didn’t become an accountant — but I wish I had taken the computer programming courses and stuff. I love html and css, what little I’ve played with. With his IQ and knack for detail, I bet he would have loved it… born a century too soon, I suppose.

And yeah, I’m gonna post that picture of you in your bathing suit from before I was born. You’ll get over it! Or maybe the one at the pool where your tongue is stuck out… Or did I post that one already? I want to post one of Daddy, too, but I did the one of him on the ferry. OK, just like on the phone, I still can’t hang up.

Later!

Love,

Marcia

PS, Happy Birthday tomorrow! 87 earth years you would have been. You and Dad have fun up there. By the way, any more hole in ones on the golf course? And if you run into Leon’s mom, say hello. Tell her if she hasn’t looked down lately, she might want to, “he’s done her proud.” Oh, and tell her I have not laughed at him at a hair salon any more since that day… but then he hasn’t had to get another perm for a stage play role. And don’t tell her I still laugh at the thought! She didn’t have to threaten to kick me out of her shop though…. grin.

Tags: , birthdays, letter, Mom