Reading about your mom's party reminded me of the 50th anniversary party we had for my mom and dad. It was like another wedding reception.

I am so grateful we decided to go for it because Mom died 2 years later. The party was such an affirmation for all the years they spent raising their 5 kids. We took tons of pictures and I cherish them because it was the last time everyone was together as a family before Mom got her diagnosis.

Parties are such an awesome way of showing love and appreciation for family and friends.

I love your book idea. I bet she will read that off and on for the rest of her life.

By the way, I was raised in a family with 4 girls and 1 boy. I can hardly imagine s-e-v-e-n girls. Tell me about your one brother. How did he survive...and did your mom take up for him the way my mom took up for her only son?