The hyphen on our gravestones

Sue,

Here I am, back at home once again from a whirlwind trip to see you. Happy 50th Sue!! We rang it in with you in true McCormick-style. This trip was worth every bit of effort. The look on your face when you quietly came upstairs from the basement after starting a load of laundry...quietly throwing something in the garbage and washing your hands...turning around but not looking up yet as you must have been in deep thought over the school papers you were grading...to look up and slowly take in the sight of Dad, Matt and I lounging on your couch and chair!! Amazingly enough, we were able to sneak in undetected with Mom's help and quietly wait for you to come back upstairs.

I will forever remember the shocked look on your face as you braced yourself in the doorway and then screamed in shock! The night just got better as we laughed and talked over dinner. Then the laughs continued in the car as we all squeezed in and blamed Matt for the blasting heat that made us wilt (I still say it was hot flashes from Mom and Dad on either side of me in the back seat!!), we teased Matt for his driving skills and then laughed all through the movie as we inhaled goodies from the snack bar.

The celebrations just got better as we were able to enjoy a special church service by Joel, see you surprised and loved by your church congregation and friends and then able to soak up those last hours with the Mason clan and a few of your friends over a long lunch. You are so loved Sue, and I am reminded once again how lucky I am to have a sister like you. You are my sister, but much more than that in so many ways. I love you dearly, and know that you've enjoyed your special day today...I don't have to say I hope you did, because I know you have. I'm glad Dad was able to stay and be with you today.

I read something recently in the obits about the dates marked on our gravestones. I believe it to be very true, especially with you Sue. It said that what matters more than the date of our birth and the date of our death is the hyphen in between. It's the space in between, the living of our lives that is what matters. It's what we do with that "hyphen". You live your life to the fullest Sue, and your touch has such a rippling effect for those around you, including the kids you teach. The blog has proven this, over and over.

Happy 50th...I love you!

Stacy