Happy Birthday, Sort Of

I woke up this morning to a louder than usual sound emanating from what I thought was the usual christmas carol broadcast from a nearby army camp. I looked out from the living room and there saw a sizeable processional by the neighborhood devotees of Mary, singing, with lit candles that early in the morning. Then I remembered, it was Immaculate Conception Day, and the reason why my daughters had no school and were blissfully oversleeping.

Long after the procession had left and the singing faded into the distance, they broke out into the 'Happy Birthday' song which confused me a little. According to this, the immaculate conception was a feast that had nothing to do with a birthday or an actual conception. Nevertheless, I'm just thankful for the free day of not having to pick up the kids from school.

But what I would not miss remembering, apart from John Lennon, is the passing of my sister Susan, now three years to the day. And my mother made sure that nobody forgets about Susan's third year in heaven, as she would like to think about my sister's death, which, when you think about it, is not a bad thing to celebrate.

Tonight we're going to remember in the best way we know how, by potluck. All of us in the family are bringing something and I'm assigned to bring the pasta. I know I will be doing my best because the memory of Susan deserves nothing less.

Filed Under: Me & Mine

Tags: christmas carols, Immaculate Conception Day, John Lennon, Mary, Virgin Mother, Susan Luis Aycardo