The Birthday Girl

Dear John,

Today Elyssa is 6. Can you believe it's been that long since she was born? I remember all the adventures involved in getting there. The plane was 2 hours late getting out of O'Hare (no surprise there), the Miami airport is not for the sane (and there is no way to get to the rental car area after 5 pm), the hotel had cancelled my reservation at midnight and couldn't enter a new one, the hotel in the Keys had overbooked and moved me to a luxury resort (where neither remote worked, half the lightbulbs were out, there was no hairdryer, and they wouldn't turn the phone on without a $50 cash deposit), and my cell only worked on one rock on Tabletop Key. But Elyssa was born, I was there, and it was wonderful. And I remember that Daddy paid for my trip as his gift to Jen. And you dropped me off and picked me up in Detroit, bless your heart. What an adventure!

Today was a bit less exciting. I worked 4 hours then met Jen and Elyssa at Dairy Queen for the birthday dinner. Sean gave her her first bike - she was so excited and had a good time riding it (it has training wheels).

We're off to bed now, if Elyssa and Jethro can settle down enough to sleep. Six is a big day! I'm so sorry you're missing it. But maybe you aren't missing it. I know I'm missing you, so very much. Love you always,

Joan.