Today is your mother's birthday! And guess how old she is? She is..... Yeah right. I don't think so. Some information is best discovered on your own. So, if you want to know, you ask her.
In honor of your mother's birthday, we had the 4th Annual "Please Call Michelle On Her Birthday" Phone-a-thon. I rarely give out my secrets but your mom has already caught on to this one so I figure I can share how it works. First, I dig through my e-mail list that is made up of hundreds and hundreds of people I have met over the years. Then, I send a message informing them about her birthday and how great it would be for them to send Michelle a message of some sort on her phone. After that, the magic begins.
This was something I started about four years ago when we moved to the Midwest. I didn't have a lot of money(not like that has really changed) and I was thinking what could be the best present I could give your mother without spending money I didn't have. That's when the idea came. Birthday Wishes from all over the country--from friends, family, and even from strangers(ok. not really strangers. just people who have yet to meet her).
The first year was crazy. Her phone never stopped ringing. Texts in English and Spanish. Pictures. Friends who were teachers took a few minutes to have their classes sing to her. One friend forwarded the e-mail to her mom and had her call Michelle even though they didn't know each other. It was great!
This year was no different. She received picture mail/calls/texts from New York, California, Texas, Illinois, and all over Milwaukee just to name a few. (as I type this, her phone is still ringing) I feel it worth mentioning that one friend went above and beyond and brought over a roasted chicken and cookies(thank you anne, brad and the boys)!
Sometimes, some of your best ideas don't require much money at all. Just a lot thinking.
What I also love about the annual "phone-a-thon" is that it allows us to keep touch with all of our friends who live all over this wild country. You would be amazed how easy it is to lose touch with people even though we are in a day and age where we can be in constant contact with someone no matter where we are--E-mail, text messaging, Facebook, Myspace, instant messaging, Twit messaging(it's called something else but who cares), and so and so on.
And yet, none of this can come close to the feeling you get when you actually speak with someone you care about and who cares about you(I have to admit that I prefer face-to-face but when that is not possible the good ol' phone will do).
Your mother and I have celebrated over a handful of birthdays together and they have all been a lot of fun. Now that you're part of the Royal Mexican crew, it's only gonna get better.
Me and you wishing mommy a happy birthday. I wish there was a better picture but this was actually the best one!
I had a great weekend hanging with you.
Homework awaits.
Love,
Dad.
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