As her daughter Stacey reminded me below, her 50th birthday was incredible. Debbie rented a house in Costa Rica and invited her family and very close friends to come along. A little peak into Stacey before you read her memory below. Stacey does not share her mom’s, shall we say "enthusiasm" to travel pretty much anywhere in the world. She prefers to stay in the good ole USofA. For her mom’s 50th, she stepped way outside her comfort zone. She left the country and flew to a foreign land which included a leg on a very tiny, bouncy, 4 seater plane and she did it with her 2 year old daughter and without her husband, who would have to fly in later.
From Stacey “Who could forget her 50th birthday in Costa Rica?? There are so many great stories to tell with the nightly dining on the patio courtesy of our personal chef, the beautiful scenery, hiking the rainforest, boating and snorkeling, and nearly being murdered (but I will leave the last part out). One thing that stands out in my mind is Mackenzie, being 2 at the time, screaming because she wanted garlic bread every night. But most of all the thing I remember is just having a great time with great company. Mom was so happy that trip because she had everyone there and everyone was together. Without the stresses and responsibilities of daily life, everyone was free to sit back and enjoy each other in a beautiful setting. I think gathering around the table nightly for good food and conversation was one of the highlights of the trip and Mom’s birthday dinner was no exception. It was a great time and gave us all a chance to show her how much we appreciate and love her. This is a great memory that I know we will all cherish.
I remember Mom even sleeping with me and Mackenzie the night before Mike arrived. I don’t remember why she was decided to, but I do remember being extremely scared and fairly certain that I was going to be kidnapped by banditos, so I am so thankful that she did. Aside from the sheer terror, this is another fond memory that stands out from that trip!”
It just goes to show you are NEVER too old to have your mom sleep with you and make you feel safe. Thanks Stacey for sharing your memory!
Sylvia
P.S. I think I could create a riddle out of this - "How do you get 3 daughters, 2 mothers, and 1 grandmother on a queen side bed side by side without being overlapping each other?"