More birthdays

I went to a birthday party for my mom yesterday - different than the one we threw her a couple weeks ago! She called me up to say, "Did you know you were going to my birthday party today at 3?" My mind raced to my Itouch calendar, trying to remember this event, when she went on to explain, "I got this card in the mail that says there's a birthday party for me at the Village Grille downstairs, do you want to go with me? I meant to ask you before." Ok, so I didn't know about it - whew! I have to say, any forgetful moments I have, take my breath away -  just a little too scary! Anyway, I went with Mom to her party. It was an "All April Birthdays" party at her facility, complete with the birthday song, cake, coffee, party placemats and photos wearing a birthday crown. Why anyone over 5 would want to wear a birthday crown, is beyond me, but I do know ladies who turned 50 that did the same thing - ??? We sat with a gentleman my mom did not know from another building and had a pleasant conversation. That it was a man, certainly seemed significant. I know she misses my dad immensely and I think she rather enjoyed talking to A MAN! I was glad I was there to help her with the conversation and I'm beginning to think startup conversations are easiest. I get very protective of my mother, hoping people will understand and be gracious, and somehow know she wasn't always like this! (I guess I'm still grieving some things!)  Most people are, I am finding, especially her contemporaries. But what I like about startup conversations is she doesn't have to have remembered anything and she can ask the same questions over again. She can pull off a "where did you live before?" again without drawing much attention. It was kinda cute watching my mom yesterday. Don't we all crave to be connected to someone? To know and be known? It reminds me of the inadequacies of human relationships. Even the best of them, end at some point. I'm grateful for a better option. I know that there are people who doubt that God, if He even exists at all, really connects with people. But I'm not one who doubts God connects because He has connected with me, He connects with me - ongoing. It is evident to me that I am different because of the time I have spent in the His presence. Truly different. Ask those around me. That I would go to a party and talk with strangers - old people, no less - is further evidence that God is transforming me. That would not be my natural bent, sad to say. But connecting with God helps me lay aside myself to connect with my mom, meet her needs and even relate to her friends. No one is more surprised than me!