I won’t be dressed quite so fancy today … but the cake will still be chocolate!
1972, my sixth birthday. I can taste that cake just by looking at it — it is my standing order year after year.
And those crown-shaped candle holders sat on countless birthday cakes in our house .I think they were finally retired sometime ago.
The dress, too — I remember loving it, althought today I eschew stripes. No glasses yet, but already, I see my hair is short — Mom’s defense against my constant, confounded hair-twirling.
Although not an over-the-hill-milestone, today’s birthday feels like the start of a whole new chapter.
How much has changed in just a year.
Last Feb. 15, I wrote this.
And in a few days, if the darn weather will cooperate, I will meet the woman that letter is addressed to — putting a face to the countless years of wondering, and punctuating several long phone calls these past few weeks.
I’m caught in a vast swirl of conflicting and confusing emotions, many of them as childlike as the Terri depicted above:
Will she like me?
What is she like?
Does she have a sense of humor? What will she think of mine?
Will I like her?
What do I wear?!
Pushing on a Rope 
I bet your neighbors are thrilled…
Posted by John S. Pontillo | February 15, 2013, 9:12 pmAnd maybe you should wear your BAND uniform to lunch if you have nothing to wear.. But PLEASE leave the clarinet home…
Posted by John S. Pontillo | February 15, 2013, 12:42 pmThey made me play first chair again on Wednesday! I bought all the music home because if this keeps up, I need to actually know what I’m doing!!!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | February 15, 2013, 5:17 pmHappy Birthday Terri. This birthday is very special for you!! I’ll pray that all goes well and that all your questions are answered. A new chapter is about to begin. Can’t wait to hear and read about how it all turns out.
Posted by Mike Colaluca | February 15, 2013, 12:35 pmThanks, Mike; so nice to have so many terrific people behind me.
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | February 15, 2013, 5:16 pmHave a Happy Birthday and look out for that “kiss of mustard” on your birthday cake. Good luck at lunch on Monday. I bet you won’t eat a bite anyway..
Posted by John S. Pontillo | February 15, 2013, 11:14 amYou never fail to make me laugh!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | February 15, 2013, 5:15 pmHappy birthday! Wow, did you meet your birth mother last year?
Posted by Marijane | February 15, 2013, 10:36 amThank you, Marijane; no, I was still wishing last year. I will meet her in a couple of days.
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | February 15, 2013, 5:13 pmThat’s really amazing. I wish you the very best on your reunion day!
Posted by Marijane | February 15, 2013, 9:07 pmHappy Birthday! But more importantly, congrats on the reunion. It is definitely a whirlwind of emotions. I was reunited almost 20 yrs ago. And there are still many times I feel childlike with my feelings/emotions! Good Luck, hang on cause it’s gonna be a roller coaster ride!
Posted by Michelle | February 15, 2013, 10:04 amThanks, Michelle. I expect it will be!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | February 15, 2013, 5:12 pmHappy Birthday! There are going to be so many spirits hovering over the table on Monday that you’ll think you need to order for a crowd. But we’ll all behave, and just shower you and Pat with love and good thoughts — and we promise not to drool on your lunch.
I think we still have one of the crown candleholders! I know we have the wooden carousel animals, but think there’s a crown — if you want a memory!
Posted by Karen Waggoner | February 15, 2013, 8:59 amYou are too much! I think I’ll keep my candle memories close and personal — I like them better that way!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | February 15, 2013, 5:18 pmAnd we will all be there with you surrounding you both with our love and joy.
❤
Posted by Priscilla Sharp | February 15, 2013, 8:20 am(hugs) and thanks!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | February 15, 2013, 8:22 am