July 2009 - Mom's 80th Birthday in Canada

Brian, Peggy, Lisa and I drove with Mom to Canada to celebrate her 80th birthday. We had a great time talking all the way. Of course, Brian drove and that helped a lot! First we had lunch at Patty's. Then we went to Aunt Rose's nursing home for a carrot cake dessert. We had a really nice visit with Rose who kidded about waiting for us and wearing out her talking watch (she has been blind for over 10 years.). We didn't know it, but it was to be our last visit with Rose because she died just a few days later. Mom was so greatful to have had this time with her sister.
After we left Rose's, we drove back near to where Aunt Lucille lives. We all stayed at a hotel there. Lots of relatives joined us including Mary and her husband, Aunt Theresa, Claudette. We had a wonderful dinner that night and then the next day, we celebrated Mom's birthday. Uncle Alzeor and Peggy also had birthdays. The last photo is something I made for Mom with the six kids. We are SOOO blessed to have her as our Mom. Life hasn't been easy for her - and 2009 was particularly hard with lots of pain and other medical issues to deal with. We were so glad she had a reprieve from all of that was able to enjoy her visit to her homeland.