Marjie's 30th Birthday Party: An All New Kinda Outing

Me and The Birthday Girl!

Marjie's been a little busy lately with formalizing Adele's adoption, a new job, her NIH study for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), and training for a half-marathon to celebrate being alive and celebrate LIFE for her 30th. 

So, I'm probably ahead of her in getting out a blog post on her 30th surprise birthday party that her husband, Sean, threw for on Sunday at the end of Thanksgiving weekend.

Melissa, Lauren, Nicole, Me, Kiernan
Heather, Ted, Elaine, Marjie, Gigi

It was such a new and fun experience to be able to go to her birthday party! Another victory, another triumph, another 'look what I can do now!' moment. 

I'm having so many of these moments lately, that sometimes I have to take a little break to recuperate from it all and figure out how to adjust to this new life. And, as Dr. ANS says, not be too greedy about my new freedoms.

Gigi, Kiernan, Nicole, Lauren
Me, Marjie

Marjie knew it took a lot for me to make it to a brunch--since that time of day is hard for me--but she is so appreciative and understanding that it made it all worth it. Plus, she was so surprised when she showed up for what she thought was just going to be brunch at her favorite restaurant with Sean and Adele. 

She kept saying: "What's going on?! I don't understand! I should have dressed nicer!" :)

Marjie, Brandon, and Melissa
Brandon Looks Drunk Because He Had A Mimosa :)

I admit, I wasn't sure how I'd do with a big group of people I didn't know, sitting at big tables, making  small talk. I'm more of a small, intimate group kinda girl. I dread the "What do you DO?" question by lots of people I don't know.

 But you know what? It was great. I saw people I've already met and really like, I met all of Marjie and Sean's families, got to learn a lot from her stepdad and Mom, and met several lovely new people that I am now connected with. 

That's what I would call a good day!

Marjie and Sean With Their Families

It used to be that if we were at a cafeteria or buffet (which we avoided if at all possible), I would need Mom to go get food for me. Not this time! 

All of these little freedoms. All of these little things that most people do every day without a thought. I am cherishing every single moment.

Adele and Brandon Have a Date

Am I wiped out afterwards? Do I need to rest the rest of the day? Do I not feel very well the next day? 

Yes. 

I have to make choices about which things are worth doing and which aren't, about which things are going to fill my soul and be worth the price my body will pay.

22 Pounds of Cuteness
And I Can LIFT Her! :)

This outing was worth it for a so many reasons: the people I met, the freedoms I felt, the good food, and most of all the celebration of Marjie's LIFE.

Happy (Early) 30th Marjie! May this year be filled with joy, peace, love and most of all, HEALTH.

Blessings,

Emily