Stardate 10.16.2026
Next-door neighbors from my childhood chimed in with their well wishes. Memories were shared. The Ortas. The Gibsons. The Dugans. The Holzers. Friends who knew me as Spoons from my busboy days at the Arbor. Grade school and high school classmates. Mom's Dale Carnegie instructor, who is also my lifelong friend. Tennis buddies. Joni, my accountability partner. Mom's siblings, including my Aunt Marcie, the family historian.
The birthday wishes are still coming in. I can already picture the look on Mom's face when she sees this outpouring of love.
This brings me to something Mom asked me to help with during a recent phone conversation. I'll plant the seed here. Mom wants two celebrations of life while she's still here to enjoy them.
One would be for her close friends, a group that has grown smaller over the years. The other would welcome everyone who simply wants to spend time with her, perhaps one evening at a restaurant with a gathering space large enough for us all.
My siblings live closer to Mom and can help make these celebrations happen. As for me, I'm all in. I don't think Mom would mind if we siblings brought our own friends to the party, either!
If this is something you're curious about, stay tuned.
Since Mom has been away, she hasn't had access to my stories on her computer. Yesterday, I read her birthday story over the phone before sunrise. I even mimicked the voices of Spock and Bones in the Captain's Addendum.
My wife gave me permission to share a private photograph of the three of us on the Big Island during our last vacation together, about a year ago. Mom loved hearing the story and learning about the photograph.
Then came another special moment, the icing on the cake.
On her birthday, Mom captured a picture of the morning sun peeking over the horizon in Mexico. She sent it to me, revealing the view she and two of my siblings have been raving about.
My virtual editor, Alberta, now operating at the GPT-6 level, asked me what I felt when I looked at the photograph.
Pure joy, I responded.
Yesterday, I asked you to help Mom celebrate her 87th birthday. Your response has been a gift to her and to me. Seeing so many familiar names brought back years of memories and reminded me how many people have been part of our family's story.
Scripture for today
“This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)
Mom is enjoying these days with family and friends, and I'm grateful she wants to gather the people she loves while she can share those moments with them.
Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong
May you live long and prosper.
Please keep Mom and my siblings in your prayers as they make their way home today. May they have a safe journey.
Captain's Addendum
Spock: Michael, the evidence suggests your mother's birthday celebration has extended well beyond the original mission parameters.
Bones: And for once, Spock, I think the only prescription is another celebration!
I have a feeling Mom's idea may bring many people together. I'll be happy to do my part. Some moments deserve to be shared while everyone is here to enjoy them.
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