I'm going to warn you right off the bat, this is a sad story.
My grandchildren are 9, 8 and 6 as I write this and other than their first birthday, the only one who has ever had a birthday party is the middle one. And I believe that it was a bit of a fluke.
Her birthday is in July, when there is no school in progress. So, in 2009 her family came to TX to visit from CA during the last of July and she got to have a birthday party (after her actual birthday) with all of her TX cousins and family here. I don't think there were any party games, but there were so many people and gifts that it was quite an occasion for her.
After they returned home, life as normal returned. That means that their momma was sick when her younger brother's birthday came up in October and her older sister's birthday came up in January. Neither of them had parties. Not real parties. And to be honest, they didn't always get to have a special "day" on their actual birthday either. To this point, their birthday was often even "put off" until momma felt better and could make a family party of some sort. I think there were times, when it never happened at all and other times when it was put off for as long as a month. Momma wouldn't allow for a "party" without her doing it, you see. The whole time, I fumed. In my opinion, there isn't much more important than making a child feel special on their birthday.
In March, their momma passed away suddenly. One of the things I thought of was that if they were able to move closer to TX, I would do my level best to make sure they each had a birthday party of some sort. The Air Force did move them closer to family and they are in OK instead of CA now. I was there in July and the girls helped me make the cake for middle grandchild. We celebrated together before her party, which was held at a park in 100+ degree weather. I did not attend the party itself because of the location and temperature, but I know that all 5 children in attendance had fun. And the parents in attendance survived.
My grandson, will be 7 on Sunday. I am still sick and hoping I will be able to drive up to Oklahoma on Thursday. My grandson is autistic. I believe with Asperger's Syndrome. I don't know that the parties are as important to him as they are to his sisters, but I do know that he loves to feel special, just as any child does. When I lived with them (for three months), after their momma died, his favorite letter was the letter X, so I plan to use X in anything I can for his birthday. I plan to buy him a cape -- middle grandchild recommended it and she's right, he'd love it. I plan to get all the kids glow in the dark vampire teeth. If there are guests at the party, there will be goodie bags. I plan to have games. I want my grandson to have fun and I want my granddaughters to know what a party at home can be. I wanted to do this for my middle grandchild, but she opted for the park. I will take lots of photos and I will keep my fingers crossed until I'm able to go. These children deserve some "HAPPY". They deserve a life time of "HAPPY". They are way behind on their quota too. I may even try to make a crown.
If you have any ideas....please leave them in the comments section. I am open to anything.
4 comments:
This is sad, & would be sadder for me if I didn't relate to every letter of this post. Not for me, but for children in the family (we'll talk later). Re: your grandson: having my autistic son, I'll tell you - one of his traits was NOT LIKING ATTENTION, so our parties were scaled back, big time. I wanted to go all out, but his shyness required zip. So, I had to faze parties out very early on. We had to make it something w/maybe 1-2 cousins, no singing (didn't wanna be singled out) & gifts were usually something he & I would go purchase privately. But you know what your little man wants, so I would go all out w/the letter "X" (LOL!) I'll [try] to think up something & let you know. Hope you feel good enuff by then to make happy happen. Those kids DO need it - remember, I can relate... Love & hugs :-)
I think it's a great idea to do something special on your grandson birthday. I'm going to try think of something creative about the X theme.
Sharon, oh my. Yes, a sad story indeed, the world seem to be so 'broken' at times. But no nothing is only dark, I'm hoping. The Light in here is you who is going to make the bday party happen for 'them' as it's more for the girls then the birthday boy. I think going with X is fantastic if he reacts to it. That's wonderful because this way you can really make him feel special! Hugs!!
Happy Belated Birthdays..
Post a Comment