Life Without Mother

Dear Mom,

I am stuffed. I am stuffed full of food and of friendship. God has come through again, just like I knew He would. Today has been one of the longest birthdays of my life, but has been packed full of “Happy Birthdays”, of wonderful surprises, and friends and family and students loving on me. Wonderful memories seared into my mind and heart. 

There were physical gifts — like the latte that JoAnn brought me because she knows how much I love coffee and the sweet pillow that says give it to God and go to sleep from a dear friend who knows that I struggle to sleep at night — and there were countless intangible gifts — like the great pleasure of having a surprise cake and happy birthday sung by all of our students and staff just before we left for our reward party outing to Central Park.

And then afterward. Wow. What a great night! Andrew had originally given it away that something was planned after the brief trip with the students to Central Park, but I thought the surprise might’ve been shifted to the afternoon (the whole cake thing). Well, apparently there was more! After all of our kiddos left or were picked up, I asked Joann if I could come over for the night, but she said she had plans. I turned to go home to watch a movie or something and just relax after the Central Park outing (with a bunch of students, it’s fun but exhausting) when she said those plans included me, and swung me toward a black car in the road. Creepy right? No, it was just Andrew and another friend waiting for us to take us into the upper west side for dinner at Jacob’s Pickles. Mom. Let me tell you. This place is probably my absolute favorite restaurant. Definitely pricy but absolutely worth it. It advertises as southern food — but, regardless of it’s “authenticity,” this place nails it with the chicken, bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit at the very least. And their Oreo biscuit bread pudding. Like what? It sounds odd. But, welcome to heaven in your mouth. All five of us agreed emphatically. Not gonna lie, I physically hurt after all the food. (Did I mention that someone failed to inform me I shouldn’t eat the two hot dogs at Central Park??)

The late hour aided in the hilarity of everything. (I’m sure the laughing at least worked off the bacon from my sandwich.) I may have also said a couple things that won’t be lived down… in the best way. It was so good. Food for the stomach and food for the soul.

It truly has been a birthday for the books. I am so thankful for the wonderful church family (that is also my work family) who have encouraged me and supported me in this massive transition.

Now, with this full stomach and heavy eyelids, I better wrap this up and get to bed. I still have work early in the morning.

I love you.

Your daughter,
Hannah