Billy Ray's Birthday Party

Our day started out excited and trying to get things ready for Billy Ray's birthday party. By mid morning it was getting more difficult. I don't know if it was the excitement on his part or pain from two folicitis leisons he has in somewhat delicate areas of his body. Nevertheless, we got into a full scale behavior - the kind that exhausts me for days. Thus, the choice was to cancel the party or risk that we could work through the behavior before time for his guests to arrive. I chose the latter because he has not had a birthday party in two years (the first when we moved the day after his birthday and last year when he was too ill). He clearly wanted to do the party. We went forward clearly not able to do everything we had hoped to do especially in terms of housecleaning, etc.

Here are some pictures to share his party with you. Below is Billy Ray manning the door. He loves greeting people.

Hugs abounded. Here he is hugging Denise Lighthill one of his special people.

Below he is making the ice cream punch.

He was more social in terms of interacting with his guests than he has been of late. We were also able to get him to look at the camera and smile. Here (below) Pastor Lighthill was taking the picture and got him smiling for the camera.

His favorite part of his parties (or any one else's party is always blowing out the candles on the cake). Interestingly while he loves blowing out the candles he doesn't really like cake.

In September when we had guests for dinner, a friend brought a birthday cake for his wife (Donna referred to in many posts herein as the cookie lady because she bakes the high fiber cookies for Billy Ray). To our amazement he not only really got into blowing out the candles on Donna's cake but loved the cake. It is a chocolate raspberry that a lady in our area made. I was able to order an identical one for Billy Ray's birthday this year. Here he is blowing out the candles with Sarah looking on.

Below left, he is really getting into opening his presents:

So often we just don't know how Billy Ray will react. It is difficult to decide whether to do events like this especially when the day starts out the way it did yesterday. The alternative is isolation and loneliness. It is worth the struggle to accomplish. I can't ever remember a birthday party where he mingled as well and seemed to enjoy his party as much as he did last night.

It appeared that everyone had a good time especially Billy Ray. The picture on the right doesn't have anything to do with Billy Ray but I can't resist sharing it. This is Billy Ray's service dog Penny Lane and Sarah Henry. Even the dog seemed to enjoy the evening.

Our friend, Dave Peters, brought Billy Ray an assortment of fun things to do including silly straw. He really enjoyed spraying it towards his guests. I regret the pictures of that didn't turn out because he was having so much fun with it.

Denise and Pastor Lighthill brought Billy Ray a large soft textured pillow with sports figures on it. Jeannie also brought him a very plush and soft Koala bear. Billy Ray went to sleep cuddled with both which seemed to be an indication of how the evening went for him. Very rare for him to go to sleep so easy and peacefully.

Until next time,
Peggy Lou Morgan
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