~~ Happy Birthday Bird ~~

Hi Y'all...Happy Friday ! I finally convinced myself that I needed Birthday Bash...I'm always a day late and a dollar short ! lol I used that funny little bird as the focal point for this card, which is for my X Husband. Yep, My X. Allen's nickname used to be "Wildman" back in the day and we always assumed that his peculiarities were just his way of living up to his name.Little did we know, that Allen suffered from Schizophrenia. Allen dealt me fits during our 30 years of marriage,but he and I had some good times and we did produce the apple of my eye, John Allen. Right before Allen and I divorced he really started acting strange. I had already moved out of our home and he would call me at least a dozen times at work, asking me if I would always love him and if I would come to his funeral when he died. Well, that freaked me out about the funeral business, but he was always threatening suicide, so I said a prayer and convinced him that yes, I would always love him and I would attend his funeral. He would call to tell me that people were breaking into his truck and leaving him notes. I really assumed that Allen was trying to get my attention, with all these crazy stories. Not until a year or more after I was married, Allen was finally diagnosed. John Allen did his best to look after his daddy, but Allen would always become euphoric and stop taking his medications, so after many failed attempts at him living alone, John Allen resorted to placing Allen in a half way house . He seems to be pretty content there and they make sure he is well taken care of. For years now, I have wanted to go visit Allen, but John Allen and his uncles thought that was a bad idea. Everytime he spoke to me or saw me in town, they said it always set him back. Here lately though, I have had this strong urge, almost an obsession to see Allen. I was afraid that he would die without knowing that I still have compassion for him and that I will always love him and be there, even at the end. FINALLY, last week John Allen took his daddy to a funeral ( of all places ) and I got to see ole Allen !!! I didn't recognize him at 1st. Then I realized who it was and I almost burst into tears, I had no idea he was going to be there!! John Allen had a soft lil smile on his face and I think he was happy to see his Mama and Daddy together, if even for a short time. It was difficult to try and chat about the old days at a funeral, but it eased my mind and heart, to finally get a chance to see Allen! As we parted ways, I hugged his neck and told him that I loved him and always would. He smiled and said " then fix me something sweet to eat !" I just about hollared !! We all had a good laugh and I feel at peace, knowing I got to finally see my first love and reassure him of my love for him.

So, I will be baking up something sweet next week and with Dan's blessings. It goes without saying that I love Dan too and I have thanked him numerous times, for being so understanding!! For those of you that have read this, God Bless You!! lol Writing this was just some free therapy for me and I feel 100 lbs lighter !! Have a great weekend!!

Oh shoot, I forgot about the card ! lol I used Birthday Bash for the entire card. Lots of doodlin and poppin and tied 3 different colors of Bakers Twine around the top. I just love all the bright new colors Kimberly has at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/!! You should go check 'em out ! Thanks for stopping by !!! xoxoxox