Claire Brimley's birthday party pinata "Uni"
Holidays

My First Sleepover Birthday Party

Claire turned nine a few days ago, and last night was her birthday party.  She begged me for a sleepover.  I relented because 1) it seemed easier than any other alternative and 2) right now I’m trying to let my kids have as much fun as they can.

I only let her invite a few kids and the night started out fine.  Not perfect, because the unicorn pinata I bought was decapitated after one single hit to the head, but everyone seemed to be having fun otherwise.  Very quickly, however, it became clear that this party was not going to be easy for me.

Take the cake.  I had actually made a double layer chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles and no one appreciated it.  Granted, everyone who ate it was under the age of ten, but wow, I definitely could have gotten that cake at Giant instead.  I’ve always made the birthday cakes from scratch.  Do you know who always appreciated them?  Shawn.  Because he knew he’d get all the leftovers and they’d be amazing.

I also couldn’t really take photos during the party.  I was running around the entire time serving food and cleaning up trash and organizing activities and well, I just didn’t get around to it.  And in the one moment I wanted to take photos the most – when we sang happy birthday – it was impossible.  I lit the candles on the cake and brought it over to Claire and started singing and then realized that I couldn’t take photos of her blowing out the candles when I was the only one who could hold the cake and lead the singing.  So, I missed it.  But I did see her sweet face, and it was joyful.

That moment was also the hardest part because I didn’t have anyone else watching her blow out those candles with me.  To be fair, my dad came for that part, but he’s not Shawn and we both know that.  So I guess it’s not that I didn’t have anyone next to me, but rather that I didn’t have the person I’d always had by my side sharing that moment we always shared.

My boys seemed to be able to feel this absence as well, because they both started crying and whining when I announced it was time to go upstairs with Grandpa Tom and allow me to run the remainder of Claire’s party in the basement.  As usual, everyone needed me at the exact same time.  I ran up and down the stairs, trying to do everything yet leaving everyone feeling like I wasn’t doing enough.  Then one of Claire’s friends felt sick and I had to call her mom to come and get her.

It was 8 pm when the kid’s mom showed up and it felt like midnight.  This mom sat down at my kitchen counter and we talked for a few minutes about nothing.  She hadn’t been in our kitchen since we had remodeled it a year ago.  She looked around and said to me, “I know it must be hard – being in this kitchen that you were supposed to be enjoying together.”  I nodded, feeling that tight feeling in my throat.

“And throwing Claire’s birthday party by yourself,” she continued, “I bet that is so tough to do without Shawn.”

I cried.  Well, it’s what I do.  But it was also because she nailed my emotional state exactly.  Yes, what she said might have really upset or annoyed me.  But instead it validated exactly how I was feeling.  The party felt impossible not because I was the only one to serve cake but because around every turn I was missing Shawn.  He loved our kids’ birthday parties, and he was the one who made them so fun.  Claire’s party made me feel like I was merely managing to keep everyone from hurting themselves.

Why is every single life event hard?  The first time I do anything, from a holiday to a simple trip to Target, I feel like it’s impossible to be doing it alone.  People tell me I should hire someone to help or that I can get a service to do the task at hand, but really, it’s not about having extra help.  Sometimes that’s needed, but a lot of the time the reason that things are so hard is because I can’t have the one person there that I want.  Everything feels monumentally difficult in those “first time” moments, and Shawn feels so horribly absent.

Because all I wanted last night was for him to be there again, singing happy birthday and seeing our daughter’s delight as she blew out the candles.  I wanted that knowing glance afterwards that we always gave each other, the one that said, “she’s the cutest 9-year-old that’s ever lived.”

In the end, I made it through the party alone, and my daughter thought it was one of the best birthdays she’s ever had.  At least it was a success on that end.

As I was picking up in the morning, I found the unicorn pinata.  The girls had taken the separated head and used duct tape to attach it back on the body of the unicorn.  Claire told me they had named it “Uni” and decided that she was magical.  If there was some great metaphor for my life, I guess it would be that pinata.  I feel about as broken as the decapitated unicorn, but I just keep re-applying duct tape to survive.  Somehow, magically, I cobble through these “first time” moments that way.

12 Comments

  • Jason

    I know I’m not Shawn, but for the record, I will come take pictures at a birthday party or hold the cake or run around serving food and cleaning up for you ANYTIME. Just say the word.

    But on the flip side, you’re doing amazingly, and I can only think I’d be half the parent you’re being under these circumstances.

    • Marjorie

      Oh, I know! And you know I will ask. But this was less about the needing help part and the more about missing Shawn part, you know? But I love seeing you so will need to plan another event to get you over here ASAP!

  • Ruth Dyck

    Someday your kids are gonna grow up and read this blog and say. “Thanks mom. We knew it was hard but had no idea how hard it was for you.” Love sheryll’s work friend Ruth

  • Erin

    Exactly what Ruth said above! You are such an incredible nurturer and giving person and your children will live with so much love and joy because of you Marjorie. ❤️

    • Marjorie

      Thanks mama. I love that you always leave a comment. You are such a wonderful person and I’m so lucky to know you. xo

  • Book Club Kristin

    Your writing is magical, Marjorie, and your deep love for your family. Thank you for sharing, inspiring, and reassuring so boldly with us. Your amazing village is here like duct tape to try and help keep you feel even a tiny bit “together.” Thinking of and admiring you always!

  • Sheryll Brimley

    Marjorie, you are an amazing woman & mother!! Your words leave me in “awe” of your strength in such heart wrenching circumstances. Our grandchildren are so very blessed to have such a strong, loving mother. My heart aches for you. Thinking of you & the children every day. Love you.

  • Nancy Clark

    Another first and it is hard, darling. Eventually, this first year will pass and each event will be a little easier. Keep writing. Your letters will help you heal and are touching so many hearts.