Skip to main content

Magic Marker Monday: Creative Birthday Gifts

 My birthday was last week and my dear friends helped me celebrate with a girls-only party at my house. I made it clear that the rule, "your gift is your presence" was in play.

But loopholes can be found. A long time friend made me a certificate attached to a water bottle, congratulating me on turning 40 and running 12 races this year. It was a warm and fuzzy surprise, heartfelt and very original.

Another friend, going back over 20 years, lives several states away, sent me 40 memories from over the years on strips of paper. I laughed reading the things I had forgotten and smiled at the good things she said about me.

And at my party, a friend suggested everyone go around and say how they knew me. Some people shared their very first time meeting me or something I had done for them. It turned into more great memories. I wish I had videotaped it to watch on days that need brightening.

Comments

  1. Aw, glad you had a great time at your birthday party. Late as it may be, happy birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds like a very happy birthday, and you are blessed with some great friends. Many Happy Returns...

    ReplyDelete
  3. What grand friends! Happy Birthday, Vanessa! :)
    ~Michelle @ 5MFSN

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading my post. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. If you wish to contact me directly, please let me know and I will email you.

Popular posts from this blog

How I Make Being a Mom and Volunteer Work at this Group Home

  In September, Ben celebrated three years living in a group home in Charlotte, North Carolina, with five other men. Ben lives 20 minutes from our house, and we see him several times a week for doctor's appointments, to drop off supplies, for group home events and sometimes because I just miss him. Ben occassionally sleeps over, and he often spends a weekend day hanging out on his favorite couch, watching videos at our house. This Easterseals PORT Health home is Ben's second placement. The first placement through another agency didn't work out, and he left after six months . We were wary of trying a new place, but it's worked out well. My husband, Ryan, and I have developed a partnership with ESPH. Over time, we've built mutual respect and trust with the residents and staff.  Here's what's worked for us: 1. Get involved with the group home. Ben lives with five other men in a six-bedroom house in Charlotte. On move-in day, Steven, one of the residents, made ...

Gadgets & Gizmos - Part 6: Landeez Chair

We spent last week at the beach near Atlantic Beach in North Carolina. At Fort Macon Park , they have a special chair for people like Ben who may need extra help moving in the sand and water. The chair is made by Landeez . We were amazed by this chair. It did travel over the sand and in small amounts of water with ease. We bought an inexpensive strap to go around Ben's waist so he would not fall out.  I thought that Ben could go farther in the water sitting in the chair, but it does eventually float...away if in too deep of water. Ben got tired of sitting in it and wiggled his way under the strap. For the most part, it is a great invention and it made it easier for us to keep Ben safe on the beach. If he had been interested in a long walk on the beach, this would have worked great for him.

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

  "Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence How I Make Being a Mom and Volunteer Work at this Group Home