Today is my bride’s birthday.
Today, April 12, 2021, Sally turns, ummm . . . something-something. We are apart today with nearly a country between us. If the country were Monaco or Liechtenstein maybe that wouldn’t seem like such a glaring distance. But the country is the United States and Philadelphia seems a world away from Los Angeles right now.
It used to be birthdays were sacrosanct in the O’Connor family. Wherever Sally was in her ministry travels she would be sure to be home in time to celebrate whomever’s happy day it happened to be. Eventually, as Dusty, Bonnie and Shannon (who can take all the time she wants before she desserts the people who clothed, diapered and fed her from birth) grew up, moved away, and began celebrating birthdays with people who didn’t clothe, diaper and feed them, Sally and I allowed birthdays to take a step back so the Lord’s work could be accomplished. Such was the greatness of our hearts.
It used to be birthdays were sacrosanct in the O’Connor family.
Four or five years back, on Sally’s something-something birthday for example, Sally found herself somewhere in Europe leading an A Tour of Roses missions team. We make these concessions to each other now because I think we are secretly hoping the sacrifices will score extra brownie points with God on Judgement Day. That’s my thinking anyway. And believe me, salvation theology and Biblical accuracy aside, I’m going to need all the extra credit I can horde just to make it into the bleacher seats on Opening Day.
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So today Sally, wonderful mother that she is, begins her something-something birthday holding her middle daughter’s hand as Bonnie goes through scary wisdom teeth surgery. I’m just not sure which is more scared.
Then she drives to the Philadelphia airport to return the rental car that has ferried her from stem to stern drinking in the Pennsylvania ambiance, now home to her precious daughter. She will take a shuttle to the airport hotel and rest her body from the stressful week of dentists and automobile purchases (Bonnie’s first car) and wisdom teeth (Bonnie’s mouth will never be as smart again).
But maybe she’ll pay the premium anyway . . .
She will grab a meal somewhere and then collapse with a couple good movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime where I hope a little voice in the back of her head hears me gently chiding “DON’T buy that $19.99 film because in two weeks it’s going to be $5.99 and a month after that it will be $3.99 and a month after that it will be free with the subscription.” But maybe she’ll pay the premium anyway because, well, she’s earned it.
In the morning she will return home where I’ll pick her up at LAX,. She’ll rest a day (haha), and hit the road the next for Northern California with me by her side and at the wheel.
Sally was born in 19-something-something. Today she is something-something years old. I would tell you her how old she is and how she doesn’t look anywhere close to that number, but I am chivalrous and far too much a gentleman to divulge a lady’s age.
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If however, you choose to click the picture above and play a special song I have picked out for My Beauty, who am I to stop you? No really—WHO AM I TO STOP YOU?
Today Sally Klein O’Connor, mother of my three children and wife of 33 years and 11 months turns something-something. But really folks—she doesn’t look a day over something-something.
Marcia says
Happy Birthday Sally🎉🎈Enjoy your Special Day…looking forward to meeting you Friday!
Robert Specter says
Happy Birthday Sally! Hope to see you and Michael tomorrow in the sliver of time between your trips. Shalom, Robert
Mary Mangin says
Happy Birthday, Dear Sally! I saw you in Indianapolis Indiana many years ago and you are still as beautiful as ever. I wish you a very Blessed and happy birthday 🎂.
Christine says
May God bless you abundantly on your birthday and always.
Someone says
Beautiful and moving tribute to a true Saint of a woman who has put up with these shenanigans for something something years.
Jean Pergande says
May you have a Happy and Blessed Birthday and many more.
Sally Klein O'Connor says
Thank you, Jean!!
Janice Flinn says
Great tribute to your darling girl dear brother. Thank you for loving all your precious girls so well. The Lord is truly smiling! jx
Lisa O says
Happy Birthday to you Sally. I met you at Beth Ariel a couple of months back, I’m really enjoying your Soul Alive album. I hope our paths cross again in the near future. All the best!
Sally Klein O'Connor says
Really glad you like that album! We are working on a new album along the same lines… Shalom.
Marty Walker says
Happy Birthday , Sally! Don’t worry, no matter how old you are, I’m older!
Sally Klein O'Connor says
Love you, Marty!!
Wayne & Jane Crespo says
Happy Birthday Sally from Gardner, Ma. Michel is soo bad. Jane and I hope to see you again.
Hannah Lynn Lynn Musap says
Sorry I missed saying “Happy Birthday” yesterday. It was a hard day for me. May the LORD richly bless you today and always. My daughter-in-law gave me a card saying I was at a crossroads between “Older than dirt” and “still above ground.” I am the same as Marty, always older than you! your friend, Hannah Lynn
Diana says
Happy birthday go way back
Happy birthday making lady
Francesca Canzano says
I hope you had a Wonderful Birthday, my Friend! Sorry this is rather belated–I celebrated your special day having cataract surgery in my right eye! Oh the Joys of getting ancient!! Now I can read the screen again and catch up…God bless!