Ten years ago I taught myself to build a website in honor of my mom’s 60th birthday. Mom lived in Texas. I didn’t. Now, my mom is turning 70! I live in Texas. Mom doesn’t. WHO KNEW?!?
A lot has happened in that 10 years. Among other things, both Mom and Dad became cancer survivors. They moved back to Michigan. They became great-grandparents. Even with my poor track record of web updates lately, much of it has been documented on the website that grew out of that gift. My goal with it was to collect photos and messages on a website and to have Mom’s friends and family look at it with her that day, no matter where there were geographically located. I think it may have been the best gift I have ever given.
This year, Mom is back in Michigan, surrounded by friends and family. I’m still far away. And the gift this time is a collaborative one from Michele and Shaun, Westi and Mike, Nicole, Steve, Shelly and Jill, Dad, and Steve and me. It is a different type of present but it is somewhat thematic, attempting to symbolically gather family together all in one place again. Here’s a virtual representation. Don’t peek, Mom, until everyone is there. Then click the box to open your gift in a new window.
I love you, Mom. Happy Birthday!
This was a great post Laura. I never had a chance to comment b/c of all our “excitement” this weekend. Thanks for doing this.
Thanks, Michele. Thanks for all you did too! Can’t imagine why you didn’t look at it before now… Dad kind of stole the show, didn’t he? Thank goodness he’s okay now. Are you home safe and sound?
Thanks, Laura! The web was great. thanks to all of you for what you did and, of course, for the braclet. I can’t
wait to see the real thing but the virtual was great also.
Dad did steal the show but at least he waited until the girls got their new phones and my birthday celebration was
over. Also it was nice to have all the support. I even got to see Shaun on my birthday and didn’t think I would.
I also have this beautiful angel with bird in my backyard
that weighs about 100 lbs. When things get calmer here we
will send photo for you to put on web. We did get photos
taken before dad had problems. I also got Grace and Emmett’s footprints taken recently that I can frame.
That brought tears to my eys. I got wonderful photos
from Braden and Beanie also. You all know what I love.
Family! love you all