Last Friday, I stayed home from work sick. Saturday, I felt about the same, maybe marginally better. The logical thing would have been to have spent the entire day resting, but there was just one teensy, weensy thing standing in the way of those plans.
There was a birthday to be celebrated Saturday night. A very special 30th birthday for an incredibly dear daughter.
Nathan and Meagan had gotten babysitting, which is not always the easiest task. Everyone had the night marked off for a meal at a nice restaurant. And here I was, lolling about and feeling lethargic. At first, I told the crew I couldn’t make it and asked if we could reschedule.
Well, rescheduling our group of six is about as easy as planning a State Dinner, so we just decided that everyone else would keep the restaurant reservation and Sarah and I could go out to a meal together later.
A couple of hours went by, and I kept checking in with myself. Not feeling great, but I never had a fever, and my cough was an occasional dry hack, but nothing dramatic. By about 3 pm, I was feeling stronger and decided I just couldn’t miss Sarah’s 30th birthday celebration.
So I called on my old standbys, Maybelline and Caffeine. They didn’t do miracles, but they got me ready for dinner!
There were birthday balloons . . .
a card I made for her . . . .
and a special birthday plate.
And trust me when I say that no one left hungry!
We only eat at The Melting Pot for special occasions, so it is quite a treat for us all.
A special element of the evening
was that Gage had prepared some questions to ask throughout the evening, not only to honor Sarah but also to create interesting intersections of conversation between the six of us. I wanted to include some of them here in case you wanted to borrow them for a get-together of your own.
• What was your first memory of Sarah as a baby? (That, of course, was answered by just Steve, Nathan, and me although Meagan did make up a hilarious fictional story.)
• What was something adorable or funny she used to do as a baby?
• Describe Sarah as a toddler in 3 words.
Childhood Years
• What’s a story from her childhood that still makes you laugh?
• What did she love to do as a kid that showed her personality early on?
• What’s a way she was curious, kind, or creative as a child?
• What’s a childhood memory with her that you’ll never forget?
• Describe 5-year-old Sarah in 3 words.
Teen Years
• What’s a fun or silly story from her teen years you’d share to show her spirit?
• How did she show independence or boldness in her teenage years?
• Describe teen Sarah in 3 words.
• If you could go back in time and give advice to your 13-year-old self, what advice would you give?
Adulthood (Turning 30)
• Pretend Sarah is a celebrity; what do you imagine she became famous for?
• What qualities does she have now that make her so special to this family?
• What joyful encouragement would you give her as she starts a new decade of life?
• What advice would you give to your thirty-year-old self?
lots of laughter, and sharing both funny and heartfelt feelings and memories.
And most of all, it was a chance to honor and celebrate a woman about to enter her best decade yet.
We love you, Sarah! May your life continue to reflect the beauty of who you are.
What about you?
Do you remember where you were or what you did for your 30th birthday? (That question may be a little easier for some than others, depending on how long ago that birthday was.)
What are some questions you could add to Gage’s list for a get-together?
How would you answer the appearance/intelligence question and why?And, random question, since we’re getting near fall, have you have anything pumpkin flavored yet?
Anything else to share from your week behind or your week coming up?
Those are some really thought provoking questions! I just don’t remember what I did on my 30th birthday. I was really busy with 2 young children at the time. Happy, happy birthday Sarah!
No to the pumpkin question. I haven’t gone there yet. 🙂 I’m desperately hanging on to summer!
LeeAnne,
I actually don’t remember my 30th either, so you’re not alone!
It’s in the 80’s and sunny this week so we are definitely summer-izing!
My 30th birthday was memorable because 2 weeks before my birthday, I found out I was pregnant with our Sarah Elisabeth.
Rachel,
What a great reason for remembering a 30th birthday. Love it!
I just love how creative and thoughtful Gage is. Sarah really found her perfect mate. What a wonderful blessing and milestone to see that beautiful young lady surpass the odds and celebrate her 30th birthday. I have a friend who had a rare bone cancer as a child and when she turned 40, people were teasing her about the “over the hill“ birthday. She wisely reminded us all that we should be grateful for each and every day.
I love the idea of the questions and having you all share stories about Sarah. That’s a very sweet way to make someone’s birthday feel momentous.
I’m glad you got to feeling better so that you were able to go. It would have been hard for Sarah and the rest of the family to celebrate without you.
Happy Birthday to Sarah!!
Lisa,
So very true. I don’t care what birthday I have or how old I get; the point is that I am still having birthdays. Your friend who survived a rare bone cancer definitely had a lot of wisdom in that area. It sounds like a cliche but every day truly is a gift.
Yes, I agree. Sarah found a wonderful man in Gage; he always goes out of his way to build her up and honor her. Very thankful for him.
Sounds like a wonderful evening together! And I would have never guessed you weren’t feeling well in your photos. I didn’t have a big celebration for #30 because we were getting ready to move from Georgia to Arkansas in two weeks. I’m not a pumpkin fan so I haven’t had anything. I hope you’re feeling better and have a wonderful week!
Sue Ellen,
Well, at least you’ll always remember your 30th birthday since moving is ultra memorable.
I’m not a pumpkin fan either so I guess you and I can just leave the pumpkin products for everyone else.
I know many years ago you wondered if she would finish grade school, then it was would she graduate from high school = well you all get the picture. We praise the Lord for Sarah, for her love for him and also thankful for Gage – for bringing him into her life. What a blessing they both are. Have mentioned previously that we first saw Sarah when she was 2 years old and your ministry had come to our church. Have loved each of the pictures you have posted, not only of Sarah (and Gage) but the whole family. Was glad when you were able to go to her birthday party. Yeah, coffee and mascara do a world of good. You even looked a little perkier. Bless each of you.
Sharyn,
Yes, there were so many milestones along the way that she reached despite all of her challenges. But to reach thirty? Incredible! We are so very grateful.
Glad you’ve enjoyed the pictures throughout the years. There have been a lot of them! 🙂
I remember having a really hard time with that particular zero birthday… not sure why. I was working at a drug store at that time and my co-workers thought it was a great idea to higher someone in a chicken costume to come in and sing happy birthday while I was waiting on customers at the pharmacy! I was humiliated and they thought it was hysterical. The customers enjoyed it too.
I think Gage did a great job and I couldn’t think of more!
Wishing Sarah the happiest of birthdays!
Ginny,
A chicken costume! You win the most memorable 30th birthday contest. Isn’t it crazy how some people can think something is hilarious and others not enjoy it at all?
I’m sure it’s a birthday you will never, ever forget.
My 30th birthday was spent on strong muscle relaxant for badly sprained back incurred in jujitsu class, lol! As long as my intelligence was based rooted in/from God, I could go either way! At 70, a nicer appearance is not off the table! Gage did a great job on the questions! I’ve nothing to add! I had my one and only pumpkin spice latte treat yesterday.
Guerrina,
So in other words, you don’t really remember much of anything about your 30th, do you. Those muscle relaxers will wipe you out.
How adventurous of you to take a jujitsu class!
Yes, a nicer appearance would definitely be a temptation, the older I get.
Prayers that you are feeling better now.
I think Gage did a great job on the questions, what a great idea.
My 30th was spent babysitting! I had a better 31st when I had a surprise party with friends.
I would much rather have intelligence than appearance! You can’t talk with appearance but you can talk with intelligence.
Haven’t had anything pumpkin flavored yet, but pumpkin scones sound really good right now. Not a fan of pumpkin lattes as most are. I prefer maple.
We are planning on going to pick apples today-and my husband will make apple butter to share with some folks at church.
Patti,
Well, you know how to celebrate! 🙂 Glad your 31st was a little more enjoyable.
I have to say the folks at your church are fortunate to have yummy homemade apple butter shared with them. Hooray for your husband!
My 30th birthday, was a surprise party on a beach in Australia. It was full of friends, fun and games. Great memories.
Hi Barbara-Jo!
Great to hear from you.
A beach in Australia with friends sounds like a fabulous way to turn the leaf over on a new decade. So glad you got to do that.
I was just thinking about you yesterday and remembering all the help you were to me when I taught those Zoom Bible Studies during COVID. Wouldn’t have made it without you!