It was a nice one, too. I bought it at the fancy card store in Shadyside a while back to be sure I had it in plenty of time.
You remember the store behind our old house on Howe Street? That one.
Buying cards and not mailing them in a timely fashion seems to be something I do often. Once I swore I would never send a late card again.
I brought the birthday card to New York City when we visited last month. I thought about writing it and giving it to you then. It was still in my bag tonight.
Nah, I thought, I’ll save it- mail it to arrive closer to the special day. A much better plan. Now you’re on your way to visit our brother in Okanogan. Your mail’s on hold. And I didn’t get it in the mailbox yet.
Here’s what I do. I’ll think of someone, know their birthday is coming, buy a card, misplace it, or drive the card around for a time, til it’s ripe? I am not sure why I do this. I read a whole bunch of sisters cards, too, looking for the right sentiment. Some of them all sappy but this one was succinct and to the point. It’s even printed on recycled paper and Made in the U.S. A. Here’s a photo of the beautiful card I meant to send in time.
“I’m grateful we’re sisters.”
Happy Birthday Mary. You are an excellent sister, aunt, and friend. Thanks for always being there and listening and for putting up with me during my bratty years. (I think they are done) Love you with all my heart and am grateful for all the love you give to all of us. Have a happy birthday celebration with David.xxoo
You might remember the post my sister’s kitchen- 20 for dinner? no problem!. How she always finds cool and quirky things for me to photograph when I visit her in NYC where she’s lived about 48 years. The kids and I’d drive from Pittsburgh and camp out with her in the apartment. When we’d wake up, there’d be fresh warm Zito’s bread and homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves and fresh butter.
Your first trip to visit us in Germany. Laura is four months old, Mark 7 and Matthew just turned 3.
You with Laura after the wedding last November. Thanks for all you did to make it happen so beautifully.
Here is a colorized baby photo of you with Mom. New Haven, CT
I turned it into an art project years ago and added the border. Sorry.
Happy Birthday Mary! Great photos Ruth!
Happy Birthday Mary
Mary,
Best wishes.
Enjoy your birthday visit with David. You put mosaic man in the first frame to shame with classy casual style!
Connie & Shuey
Happy Birthday Mary. I’ve been blessed enought to meet you once or twice and I wish you many blessings for the years to come. You are a good person, sister and soul.
Happy Birthday Aunt Mary!
Happy Birthday, Mary!
I have an entire stack of cards waiting to be sent. I don’t remember who I even bought them for. I think I will start carrying my address book with me and a few stamps and send them as soon as I buy them. Once they get home, they never leave!
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Hi Ruth – Great post and it sure made me chuckle. Be sure to read my blog today to see how your post inspired me to write mine! You’ll find it here – http://margekatherine.com/2012/09/08/the-cards-in-the-mail-or-is-it/ — Hugs, Margekatherine
Beautiful! Just beautiful! I daresay this will be more appreciated than the (now-ripe) card in your bag! 🙂
All the wonderful comments and greetings are a great distraction that my card is “over-ripe”, thank you.
Happy Birthday Mary!
Happy Birthday to your sister. Lovely photos, Ruth. 🙂
Thanks for the lovely greetings!
What a lovely tribute. You are so lucky to have each other. I would imagine having a sister can be very special. Don’t feel badly about not sending the card, I do it all the time.
She seems like a very good sister – as I am sure you are to her, too.
She sets a good example on how to go about being a good sister so it is easy for me to follow her lead.
I do the same thing with cards …. exactly! I’m glad that you are publicly honoring your sister. Happy Birthday to your sister!
I confees to doing the same with cards 🙁
Happy birthday to Mary!