Jacqueline M. Ruffino-Platt
May the coming year’s trip around the sun be the best ever.
Each year as we grow older, and sometimes wiser and happier, we receive “Happy Birthday,” “Best Wishes,” “Have a Wonderful Day” from our family and friends. My mailbox is filled with beautiful cards with meaningful sentiments. This year I was fortunate to have received so many “Happy Birthdays” from my relatives and friends, phone call messages and delightful phrases, thoughts and best wishes. Thank you, all, again, and may you all enjoy each and every day from the rising and setting of our sun.
My husband John always gave me beautiful cards and written notes. John always made certain I have a great birthday. One surprise was to travel to Hawaii. And off we went. I loved each and every moment. Scenic Maui was our next trip, and we loved all of our time with beautiful sights. The food, the entertainment, and the people who were so refined and friendly, and most of all, always made certain we were having a wonderful visit. My husband John enjoyed the scenery and all else, as I had, during our travels to these beautiful and lovely areas we came close to as days, weeks, months, and years rolled by. My husband always managed to plan a special trip or at home with beautiful flowers, dining at great restaurants. John is and has been since we met, dated, and married a caring and loving man and has been since. And now for the best and precious time in our lives, especially mine. As I was sitting at my desk, John leaned over and asked if I would love to visit my brother Russell. My brother is a priest who was ordained a priest in the Vatican, Italy, many years ago, and the priest who married John and me in Virginia. Another question, as my husband John said Palermo, Sicily, visit the town where my dad was born and lived. Of course, who would pass on that request, and off we went to Sicily, and my brother married John and me again in my brother’s beautiful church in Palermo. Members of his church, in fact, the most beautiful church I have ever seen, came to our wedding and had a lovely breakfast and gift for us to take to our home, which still stands in view of our home. While staying several days and weeks in Italy, my brother showed us many places and locations in and out of Italy. Yes, that is how I see it. You may ask yourself why I make such a big deal on my birthday.
One day, my mom did when she gave birth to me, and I continue thanking her for the love she bestowed upon me over the years. She is in Heaven now and looking down while I blow out my candles.