Happy BDay Long Distance

I'm blessed to be in close contact and friendship with my still married parents, my brother and his family, and my sister and her family. For many years we have lived states apart, making it a necessity to find ways to stick together long distance.

I don't recall how or when we began this sumple piece of glue, but it has stuck. We sing "Happy Birthday" to each other over the phone. We began as young adults and it gave us something to laugh about. If you heard us sing you would understand why! Then, my siblings and I started having children and the sweetest thing happened. Our children joined us in singing "Happy Birthday." Over the phone or as messages left on answering machines, sweet little voices belt out their favorite song with so much gusto...enough to make a grown man cry. Just ask my dad.

Today is my fabulous niece's birthday. My family gathered around the phone, as we have done eight other times for her, and sang "Happy Birthday." We clapped and cheered when we finished singing and told her we loved her.

We miss her, too.