I have two voicemails recorded that mean a lot to me. One is from your Great Grampa Faiman and he was singing me Happy Birthday. This was probably in 2001. Then, right before Grampa Larry died, your Gramma Debbie had him call my voicemail. You could tell he wasn't his normal self but he was still indisputably Larry. He picked on me for not answering the phone, wished me a Happy a Birthday and told me he loved me. I think that was the only time he ever, ever said that to me. I don't let myself listen to these throughout the year so that I have a little special present to myself on my birthday. Last night, I went to go listen to them and I couldn't find them in my music library. I started to panic. I found Grampa Faiman's relatively quickly. I had tucked away a copy in my photos folder. It took me two more hours of searching before I found Larry's. That two hours went by as slowly as your pregnancy is! I was near tears almost the entire time.
When I finally found it, there was a huge rush of so many emotions, I can't explain it. First, there was relief and happiness that I found it. Then, when I listened to it, there was joy in hearing Larry's voice again. Finally, there was an overwhelming sadness and grief over his death that I hadn't felt in a long time. I can still remember Great Grampa Lang (Hi Babe!) voice but with time that passes. I am going to have to go through my video footage to see what I can record from Grampa Lang.
But, of course, as usual, your mom found something to lecture you about out of the situation :) I think that I take people for granted in my life - meaning that I just always assume that they will all outlive me. I never think of what would happen if they pass away. Photos are great and memories in your head are great but they don't bring back that rush of emotion like sound or video or even handwriting. I hope that you will take the time to make videos or recordings of your loved ones and keep some of their handwritten mementoes. It is getting harder these days with everything being so electronic. Of all the gifts I could ever get for my birthday, having those two recordings - about 16 seconds each - means more to me than any purse or cosmetic!
Wanna know what else I do to trick the system? I don't answer my phone on my birthday. I know it sounds rude. But, most people feel obligated to leave a voicemail since it is my birthday and all. Then, I save those voicemails to my music library so I have them forever!
Well, we are heading to Linoma Beach. I have never been there and am looking forward to soaking up some sun and floating on a lake for a few hours. You have 13.5 hours to get that big ginormous kick in :)
Mom at dad at dinner
