The Birthday Club

My Mom was part of an amazing group that gathered for over fifty years.  Ten women gathered once a month to celebrate each of their birthdays.

These women met when they were in their 20's and they were all having babies, playing golf and cards.  These women chose to start celebrating each other.  They were ahead of their time.  Each month they gathered, had  cocktails, dressed up, cooked dinner and showered the birthday girl with very special, personal gifts.

I am one of the lucky second generation of The Birthday Club.  Many of my counterparts still live in Iowa and often have the second generation get together. It is a little frightening to realize that we now have three generations that are following in their footsteps.

My Mom is gone now but of course I miss her everyday.  Great Ya-Ya is always in attendance at our family gatherings.  We tell the G kids lots of stories from the past.

The Birthday Club was the ultimate friendship.  These women took turns hosting the monthly gathering and planned for their special party all year.  I remember Mom getting dressed up and heading to the Birthday Club each and every month.

My oldest friend, not in age, but in "our Mom's were pregnant together" is still and will always hold a special place in my heart.  We watched our Mom's set an example for us of living life to the fullest.  Being the same age we held a special bond.  Some of the second generation kids were older than we were and some were younger but we celebrated being right in the middle of the pack.

The Birthday Club members are mostly gone now, but we celebrate their spirit and I hope to pass along their joy of fun, friendship, loyalty and respect. 

Please raise a glass today to "The Birthday Club" and over 50 years of friendship.  I hope to see the second generation sometime soon.  I think we should hold our next reunion here in Arizona.

You've Got a Friend by Carole King..............

"When you're down and troubled,
And you need some love and care,
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me,
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night.

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend"

If your Mom is still around,  give her a hug on behalf of the entire Birthday Club and raise a glass to your family.

Coming Soon:

• Fall from the Past
• Ya-Ya returns to class
• Wicked....Phantom
• Garage Before and After
• Prepping for the Big Sale

Love, Ya-Ya