Monday, July 25, 2011

Happy birthday, Norma Jean

This beautiful little girl is having a birthday today, but it's been a few years since this picture was taken of her. She's no longer a little girl wishing for her two front teeth, but is now a mother and grandmother. This is my sister Norma Jean, wearing her amazingly uneven bangs and a corduroy coat and hat made by Mama, who was much better at sewing than cutting bangs.

She is currently in Michigan visiting her son Peter, spending some valuable time with him, along with her sweet little dog. As a recent widow, she's finding her own way into the world, and I spend some time every week talking with her and finding out how she's doing. These talks are as important to me as they are to her, and we both have our crying hankies that we use often.

My sincere wish for her 67th year is that she find her own authentic way through all the grief and pain of the past, and that she emerges on the other side of it all, filled with happiness and contentment. I love you, Norma Jean.
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26 comments:

  1. Sharon WagnerJuly 25, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Happy Birthday to Norma Jean.

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  2. Brian MillerJuly 25, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    nice...happy birthday to your sister!

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  3. RaeJuly 25, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Happy Birthday to Norma Jean. She is a special lady and you are fortunate to have such a wonderful sister.

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  4. AnonymousJuly 25, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Oh, how touching this post is! It brought tears to my eyes. Yes, by all means, have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NORMA JEAN!!!

    P.S. I was a horrible bangs cutter, too.

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  5. Wanda.....July 25, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    I remember your sister from the time you spent with her, just after her loss.

    Happy Birthday, Norma Jean.

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  6. Teresa EvangelineJuly 25, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    This is so sweet and loving. You are so blessed to have each other. I love that photo. What a cute smile. Mamas who sew are the best, especially corduroy coats.

    Happy birthday, Norma Jean.

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  7. crneliusJuly 25, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Wow! Look at those bangs!...
    What an Amazing, and Beautiful woman... at any and every age!
    I might be biased, but that doesn't make it any less true!

    I love you Mom.

    (Thanx Jan)

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  8. karenJuly 25, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    What a nice post for your sister. How's she doing these days? It's a tough road being alone after sharing her life with her true love for so long. I'm glad she kept the dog...but weren't there 2 dogs? Which one did she keep? I love this picture of her...pretty cute. Such a blessing to have this wonderful relationship with your sister.
    Happy Birthday Norma Jean.

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  9. Sally WesselyJuly 25, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    I have grown quite fond of Norma Jean since reading so much about her. I join you in wishing a future that is happy and content. Happy Birthday, Norma Jean.

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  10. KayJuly 25, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Happy Birthday, Norma Jean. I add my wishes for a happier, more peaceful year ahead.

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  11. BuzJuly 25, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    What did I ever do to deserve so many beautiful sisters? Happy Birthday Norma Jean!

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  12. RedJuly 25, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Happy Birthday to Norma Rae. I hope she has a great day. It's a difficult time to lose that life partner. Good on you for understanding Norma jean's loss and doing all you can at this time.

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  13. Elephant's ChildJuly 25, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Beautiful post. Happy birthday Norma Jean (who is lucky to have a loving sister).

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  14. RitaJuly 26, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    What a sweet post! I am new to your blog, but I can tell how much you two love each other. I believe Norma Jean will make it to the other side of her grief--especially with a wonderful sister's ear and shoulder to help her along. Love the bangs!! :)

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  15. SquirrelQueenJuly 26, 2011 at 2:15 AM

    That is the cutest photo, Norma Jean's smile is adorable.

    Happy Birthday Norma Jean!

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  16. R. J.July 26, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    She will have a unique birthday card with best wishes from all of your blogging friends. The pigtails are great. Another happy birthday wish to Norma Jean.

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  17. TrishJuly 26, 2011 at 6:56 AM

    Happy birthday, Norma Jean!
    What a beautiful tribute, DJan.

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  18. NancyJuly 26, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    It is always with a warm a loving heart that you talk about your sister. She is as lucky to have you as you are to have her.

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  19. SandiJuly 26, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    What a lovely tribute to your sister, Norma Jean. Thank you for sharing! Reminded me of my sister, and how easy it is to get busy and not keep in touch.

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  20. Far Side of FiftyJuly 26, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    Happy Birthday Norma Jean! We all love you via your sisters blog..and those bangs and braids made me smile today!:)

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  21. CiCiJuly 27, 2011 at 5:39 AM

    Almost seems like I know Norma Jean after going through the past year with her through your blog. I too wish Norma Jean a wonderful birthday that gives her hope for so much more in her life still to come.

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  22. AnonymousJuly 27, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    A very nice post. My best birthday wishes to Norma (my sister's name) Jean.

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  23. Whitney LeeJuly 27, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    Oh, happy birthday!!!

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  24. Deb ShuckaJuly 27, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Adding my birthday wishes here. I can sure see you in your sister's young face. It's such a blessing that you have each other at this time of your lives.

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  25. troutbirderJuly 27, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    Happy birthday indeed. When all is said and done family is where its at....

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  26. Stella JonesJuly 29, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    I've said before and will say again - you are very lucky to have so many sisters and a brother too. I don't have any! We all get life in equal measure somehow or other don't we? Never as we expect it though!
    Belated happy greetings to Norma Jean and I hope this year turns out to be happy for her!

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