Mid-afternoon we got dressed for the balloon release for Robert's birthday. Kandace had invited us all to release balloons...the children LOVE to see balloons "go up to Daddy." It was sad thinking about the difference in this birthday party and the last one we got to celebrate with him. I know for him, though, today must have been an AWESOME day. Wonder what he did? Maybe went fishing with Papaw---maybe shot some hoops---maybe had Granny and Mamaw cook for him. He had a great day, whatever he did.
So, anyway, we stopped by to pick up the balloons-- all red and white-- I had ordered and the ones Kandace needed us to get. I ran into Will and Amber inside, and I knew they would be at the cemetery. Robert would have loved that...he and Will were such good friends. It took a few minutes to get the balloons and check out, and then the hard job was getting them in the truck. I didn't realize just how hard it was going to be.
Just as Will and Amber and I got to the truck and started putting balloons in, a lady parked and got out of her car-- headed for groceries, I'm sure. She said, " Oh, an Alabama birthday party! That is wonderful! I can't think of a better way to celebrate a birthday! Can you?" (At this point, I wanted to say, "Well, actually, I'd like it if he were HERE." But I didn't). My throat felt like it was closing up, and I didn't want to talk, but she was being so nice. She kept talking about what fun we would have and how exciting it was. And then she innocently asked, "How old is he?"
I swear I paused only for a second, internally trying to decide whether to explain. And then..."He's 24 today. And he's a huge Alabama fan." Because he is 24 today. and I'm pretty sure his mansion is painted red and white and there's an elephant painted on it somewhere.
Happy birthday, BoBo! Enjoy your balloons, and -- just for you -- Roll Tide!!
Robert's 21st Birthday Party at Nannie and Papa's
1 comment:
Wow!! What an expression of love!!
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