I might share this story every year but I’m going to share it again. Today would have been my grandmother’s 97^th birthday. We lost her on Christmas Day 2020.

34 years ago, I was offered tickets to the Royals game, really good seats. I told my mom and dad and they said “absolutely not. It’s your grandmother’s birthday and we’re having a party for her.” I was a little bent about it, but okay. I passed on the tickets and went to my grandmother’s birthday party.

I don’t remember a lot about the party, I remember this particular party was at my Aunt Eileen’s house she shared with a roommate, and I have a few small memories in my head of that party, but I do remember that it was the birthday that I missed Bret Saberhagen throwing his no hitter at Royal’s Stadium. I’ll tell you what though, and I’ll say it every day, all day long for anyone who will listen: I will never regret having spent one more evening and one more birthday party with my grandmother even if I missed this game.

At 22, obviously, I was pretty upset that I missed Royals baseball history like that. But at 56, I’m really glad I was there with my entire family, celebrating her.

I found this gift bag in my office today. It’s from Valentine’s Day 2024, as you can see completely forgotten in time. But probably the last little gift bag that my mom ever gave me. She was all about putting together little treats for all of us kids and grandkids and cousins and what have you. I remember as exciting as vacations were when we were younger, it was equally exciting to see what she’d put in our little travel bags that she put together for us. There were always books, games, as I got older she even let me pick out a couple of cassette tapes for my travel bag but I couldn’t open them until we got on the road. Mom knew how throw a party, and she knew how to spoil people she loved.

I probably should throw these treats away but I am so blessed that I walked in there today and saw this bag sitting on top of a filing cabinet and got to take this little trip down memory lane.

(Clever play on Simon and Garfunkel, no?)

It’s like fall outside. This morning is one of those days that remind me of the days my mom would sing “Oh what a beautiful morning / Oh what a beautiful day…” It’s Sunday morning, and because of this it would be one of her favorite times of the week. On a good Sunday, she’d be headed to Church, ( all of the Church families I remember from past years: Sunset Hill, Tri-City, Linden, First Baptist NKC, Towerview…) and Sunday School, Church service, small groups, even children’s church in the older days brought her so much joy.

She’d probably see this sun comin up and think… well, I’ve already shared it.