Kara’s Birthday Dilemmas

As many of you know, Kara often would have great difficulty in deciding how to celebrate her birthday. By the time she was about five years old she realized that a birthday party involved making all kinds of decisions that were really hard for her to make. Starting in February she would agonize over who to invite, what games should we play, theme or no theme, what food to serve – dinner or just snacks – boys and girls or just girls – what to put in the goody bags – what kinds of prizes. Each of these issues would be mulled over and then she would , of course, change her mind after finally deciding. I know that Kara would have liked to banish birthday parties. But the worst was yet to come!!! On the big day she had to do one of the things that she hated most in life – open presents in front of people. Kara hated to be the center of attention, anyway, and then to have to react appropriately to each gift. How she dreaded it! But she would always come through graciously and most people would never have known how uncomfortable she was – well – maybe her beet red face was a giveaway! Then afterwards she would breathe a huge sigh of relief and say that wasn’t so bad and I think everyone had a good time. She would be glad that she had the party and at the same time be so happy that it was over. Every year as she got older, the agonizing process would be basically the same! Kara was so incredibly honest with herself and could admit all the silly things about birthdays that bothered her so that everyone around her could laugh and agree that birthday celebrations are often a mixed blessing. Kara, your birthday brings us all mixed feelings – the incredible joy of having you in our lives and the indescribable sadness of missing you. Thanks for the gift of you that you shared with us for almost 24 years. Happy Birthday. I love you………Mom