I had the best surprise in a long time last Saturday when nearly 200 friends and family members gathered to celebrate my 31st birthday (10 days early.) I had no idea that this was in the works. Dan put this together for me, and I just love him so much. I know a lot of other people put a lot of time and effort into making the party so wonderful. Thank you to all who helped with food, decorations, invitations, entertainment. Thanks to the Petersons for hosting it. I just love that family! Their yard was beautiful. I am humbled that so many would go to so much trouble for me. I feel so loved! I can't believe how many people came! It was so great to see friends I haven't seen in years, and all of the friends I've made throughout my life. All of the hugs and love filled me with so much gratitude and strength. To see all of you gathered together was amazing. I have also received many cards from those who were not able to make it, so thank you to all who have sent cards. We were graced with the musical talents of Jenny Jordan Frogley, one of my very favorite Gospel/ contemporary singers. She sang some of my favorite songs, and her performance was awesome. I am so grateful that she would take time out of her busy life to entertain at my party. She was simply wonderful. I have to share the thoughts that I had when I arrived the night of the party, and realized that it was a surprise party for me. (I thought we were just stopping by to visit the Peterson's before Dan and I headed out to dinner) I saw tons of balloons, and really hoped we were crashing somebody else's party. I had a unique feeling when I walked into the beautiful backyard, and saw all of the loving, smiling faces of everyone waiting there. There was a hushed, almost reverent feeling. Tears welled in my eyes, as I saw all of the friends and loved ones gathered, I couldn't help but wonder if soon another gathering will be taking place. I wonder if once I leave this life, and I enter heaven, I might see another gathering of previously deceased friends and family, waiting to greet me and celebrate my life. I imagine it will be so similar to the sight that greeted me the night of my party. It gives me great comfort to have this little insight to what arriving in heaven may be like! What a party it will be! CommentsAnna Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:28:29 We had a vacation planned for that weekend, or I would have made sure to be there. Unfortunely I also forgot to make a card. :( I had never heard of Jenny Jordan Frogley, but checked her music online and I really like it. Melanie Grimaud Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:16:15 Amber- I am so sad that I missed it. We were out of town that weekend. Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us. I love you and am praying for you and your family. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:34:26 What a touching thought. I can't help but think of all who would be in my reunion in heaven too. Oh what a bittersweet post. Suzie Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:33:50 Dan and Amber, jan horn Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:29:07 Just wanted to wish Amber Happy Birthday today. Would you please let her know we are thinking of her and her family and you are all always in our prayers and thoughts. Lots of love Aunt Jan Linda Goss Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:26:28 Amber, I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday today!!! And thank you for being such an inspiration to me and so many others. It is an honor to know you and live so close to you. I love your family and love your children. I promise we will all keep a close loving eye on all of them for you. and we will tell them over the years about their wonderful Mom. Enjoy your special day, I love you, Linda Lori and Kevin Monson Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:31:38 Happy Birthday Amber!!!! We love you bunches and think of you and your special family often. We hope all of you have a great day. Aunt Lori and Uncle Kevin Vickie Harkness Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:03:02 I just wanted to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I wanted to come to your party but Bennett and Mylie needed a babysitter, but I'm glad it was such a special night for you. Love, Vickie Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:29:01 hi amber... Katie Chase Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:10:31 I was thinking about you, and I hope you know what a difference you have made in my life. I am a better person because of you--a better friend, sister, mom, daughter, aunt, etc because of your example. Thanks for helping me in my own journey through life. I love you very much! Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:07:46 Happy belated birthday, Amber! We share the same date, just me a few years sooner tho. Okay, a whole lot sooner! Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:33:02 Amber, Happy Birthday! I am working on a new project that I am very excited about. I am writing a book about the cancer blogging phenomenon - its scope, aspirations, and reasons for being. I plan to highlight some of the best writing from our blogging community. Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:24:46 What a profound post: the party, the surprise, your friends gathered round, the amazing clarity & insight you received.... the music. Leave a Reply |  ArchivesNovember 2009 CategoriesAll ArchivesNovember 2009    All text and pictures copyright Amber Chase.
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