Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The cycle of life

Wow, what a wonderful weekend filled with celebrating my birthday!! Friday night we went out to eat at Joe's Crab Shack and then off to Whispers for a couple of drinks. Eve and I took Melvin with us and had a wonderful time. Saturday was a trip out to the ranch where my family treated me to awesome steaks, great conversation, and fabulous gifts. Mom gave me a beautiful watch and an awesome dessert cookbook. Dad and Tim gave me several thousand dollars toward the big move to my PH.D. endeavor. Joyce gave me Yankee Candle Potpourri and as always, some much needed cash. The kids gave me the neatest tea light vase. Then it was off to Trixie's (aka Melvin) drag show and Eve and I had the best time ever. Sunday was spent relaxing and sleeping alot. Amy made french toast for breakfast, and then I received MORE gifts from them. A candle warmer, and an EASY button (I LOVE that thought). Finally, on Monday the girls from work took me out to Chuys for drinks, fajitas, cake, much laughter and wonderful gifts. Rhonda gave me a Morenci Candle (creme brulee') that smells heavenly and this really neat key hanger for my purse. That's an awesome gift since I usually have this huge conglomeration of keys so they don't get lost in the bottom of my bag. I got hundreds of birthday wishes on Facebook and calls from all the important people in my life. I feel so blessed to have the people in my life that I have. Everyone made this birthday seem important to them and I love them for their sentiment.

During all of this excitement, we received a call from Eve's Mom on Saturday evening at 9:16pm. Uncle Marty died suddenly and everyone is in shock. Eve and I cried like little kids about the loss of someone so magnanimous that he could touch the hearts of people who only see him every few years. Personally, I only had opportunity to spend two occasions with Marty. I met him at Tricha and David's wedding six years ago, and then spent a week with him and Aunt Carol on the cruise two years ago, but his impact on my heart made an impression that will last long beyond his presence on this planet.

Eve will be driving up to Chicago with her parents on Thursday and they'll return on Sunday. I wish we could afford for me to go, as well, but we just can't swing it. My heart, mind, and prayers are extended to the family who treats me as their own during this time of grief.

It's usually the birth of a child that prods people to think about the cycle of life. This time,there is the subtle nudge that life is meant to be lived fully and completely with the enthusiasm that Martin Russo presented to all who knew him. It is not just enough to strive for success, but more that one share his or her smile, laughter, happiness, and wit with those who need a lift. Thanks to Uncle Marty for this reminder.

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