Dear Mamie,

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, We love you!

Happy Birthday and may all your dreams come true. 

When you blow out the candles one light stays a-glow, 

It's the love light in your eyes where 'err you go. 

This is our family birthday song. We learned it from the Pea Green Boat and sang it for most of my life. Joel loved it and it was so special to us after he died. These next few days have held such weight in my life for the last 9 years. Chris and I got our marriage license on Mom's birthday 22nd, Joel passed on the 24th and Percy Joel came on the 25th  five years later. Talk about joy and sorrow.

Today, July 22 was your day Mamie. Today rolls around another first without you.  I wanted to sing with you, so I listened to us sing together. I wanted to share how much I love you, because I can't tell you face to face, so I am writing you a letter. I wanted to say how proud I am of you and the life you gave to so many- we were so lucky to have you. I wanted to say that we miss you, but don't wish you back- your joy is beyond what we can measure. I wanted to sing to to you and celebrate you so that is what we shall do.

Percy has asked for candles. He has cried every night recently and day and meeting, just missing your sweet face. He says "she was such a kind, sweet lady"- such truth in those words. I was complimented on my food recently and I got to share how you never missed an opportunity to cook/make me or anyone something special. At convention and several other places I received the best compliment that I sure reminded people of you Mamie. I have taken pleasure in wearing your clothes and felt wrapped in a sweet hug. Wyatt asks to see your pictures everyday. He can find them on my phone and just smiles, calls out to you and cries.  He just snuggles close and says "I miss Nana."

July 22, a day that you shared with several birthday buddies and a day that several of my friends celebrate too, so today we will continue to celebrate and remember.  Although you are not here we still celebrate the life we loved and the Nana, Mamie and wife you were. Merry Birthday my Mamie I love you deep. 

Your Daughter, 

Paula 

P.S. We are having pancakes for birthday breakfast- Percy's choice for you!