Top of the World with Very Special Guest

The Top of the World restaurant provided a slice of cake for my birthday with a lit candle. What they didn't realize is they gave me the best gift in the world and I didn't even see it coming.

My grandmother was alive for 88 years and she passed away in 2015. Nanner, as the grandchildren called her, had retired from Sam Houston State University with 26 years of service. What most folks don't know is she had a crippled hand that she always tried to hide. She was born with it, but never let it stop her from getting a job and enjoying life. She had dementia for last 9 years of her life before the Good Lord called her home. Her birthday was May 22nd so we always use to celebrate together.

This year in Vegas I knew something was different. I didn't know if it was because Diane was with us, because I wasn't with Matt, or what. Tonight when the gentleman brought me my cake and his hand was crippled just like Nanner's I broke down. I knew it was Nanner telling me Happy Birthday. Mom and I both tried to hold it together. We failed miserably!  Without saying a word we knew she was with us and had been with us this whole trip. At this point the guy quickly walked away from the table. While the candle was melting all over the cake we asked our server to come back and take a picture but, I couldn't bring myself to blow out the candle. I had no other thought then to thank God for that moment and the ability to share my birthday with her again. I closed my eyes and finally made my wish and when I blew out the candle and opened my eyes it was like she was gone.
The feeling I had the whole weekend was just gone. I forgot how much I missed her laugh, her need to have fancy things, to eat a nice restaurants, and she always wanted us to look perfect. I got mad because we should of had the last nine years that dementia stole from us but I had her back for the weekend in spirit. With Nanner along for the ride we had a heck of time in Vegas.

Without even noticing or thinking we had incorporated all her favorites and mine. I believe now that having Nanner along in spirit was why Vegas was different. She was with us and the last night of our trip when I blew out our birthday candle she had to go back.

I love you Nanner and miss you everyday.

When I took my birthday pictures the photographer took a lot of random pictures. I had no idea after last night that this would be my very favorite one.