My mom, Luza, celebrated her 99th birthday in February. You may recall that she asked if she could have balloons at her party.
How fabulous would it be if we could get 99 RED Balloons for the party? (Inspired by the 80's song of the same name, but that's not important right now.)
I took it up just a notch and asked everyone to please wear RED. And to bring her a RED gift. (Did I mention that my mom loves themes?)
So we had the party and I was struck with just how delighted Luza was with her 99 RED Balloons. Actually, everyone was struck with how fantastic they were.
When I originally went to order them, the guy at the party store asked if I didn't want 100. "No, thank you. There must be exactly 99." I know that my mom is a little OCD and that she would count. (She did.)
Here's Luza in all her 99 RED Balloon Glory:
What a fun and fitting way to celebrate her 99 years of life and the joy she's given all of us.
I'll never, ever forget the look on her face when she was surrounded by so much RED and so much love.
It was indeed...Priceless.
Absolutely fabulous :)
Posted by: Mercy | April 08, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Absolutely fabulous :)
Posted by: Mercy | April 08, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Absolutely fabulous :)
Posted by: Mercy | April 08, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Absolutely fabulous :)
Posted by: Mercy | April 08, 2013 at 12:52 PM
What a wonderful tribute to your Mom on her Birthday! The smile on her face is priceless, my oldest daughter was born February 23, 1969; it must be something with that date because she, as well as your Mom, have a fabulous attitude towards life, always happy and positive but yet strong and will full, even though I don't have the pleasure of knowing Ms Luza in person I can tell she is a woman of strong will and wit, God bless her, may God grant her a long life full of health, happiness and love...as always it is a pleasure reading your blog, it always brings a smile and happpy thoughts to my life. Love and blessings your friend from South Fl, Clara Dania
Posted by: Clara D Cuadrado | April 08, 2013 at 12:58 PM
Quite simply the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time! God bless Luza and your entire family.
Posted by: Maria Aguirre | April 08, 2013 at 01:07 PM
Quite simply the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time! God bless Luza and your entire family.
Posted by: Maria Eugenia Aguirre | April 08, 2013 at 01:07 PM
Simply....beautiful!
Posted by: Carmela C | April 08, 2013 at 03:40 PM
What a lovely tribute to your mother and what a lovely famly she raised! She mut be very proud!!!
Posted by: Viola | April 08, 2013 at 06:35 PM
So for 3:16 I was covered from head to toe with goosebumps!! What a wonderful video (with a perfect song) and an even more wonderful celebration!!! Congratulations!!
Posted by: Suzy | April 09, 2013 at 10:01 AM
Such joy and such blessings... what a beautiful tribute to your mom.
Posted by: Lizette Rodriguez Thompson | April 09, 2013 at 05:52 PM
Marta, Thank you for sharing 99 Red Balloons! I greatly enjoyed reading your amazing tribute to your mom!!! Señora Luza, Que Dios la Bendiga los proximo 99 años!!!
Posted by: Ana F | April 10, 2013 at 04:44 PM
Happy belated birthday to your mom, that video was beautiful, thanks for sharing it. You just brought back so many happy memories from my abuela, who loved red, she always wore red lipstick and nail polish. When she passed I had one dream of her it was my last, and she was telling me that she was at a party in heave with all her sisters and she was wearing a red dress and beautiful red lipstick. This brought me back to that beautiful dream. Thank you. A big hug to Luza
Posted by: Diana | April 15, 2013 at 06:14 AM
Love it, and love my adopted West Coast famiy!
Posted by: Amanda | April 16, 2013 at 09:21 AM
Thank you, Mercy.
Apparently you thought it was 4 times fabulous? ;-)
Gracias.
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | April 25, 2013 at 11:12 AM
Thanks for your kind words, Clara.
It's quite a milestone to reach. I'm glad I can put a smile on your face.
Besos,
Marta
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | April 25, 2013 at 11:13 AM
Thanks, Maria Eugenia!
I smile every time I watch it.
xo,
Marta
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | April 25, 2013 at 11:13 AM
Gracias, Carmela.
She looks great in red, no?
Marta
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | April 25, 2013 at 11:14 AM
She is very proud of the family she's raised. It's sweet to see her enjoy herself so much.
Besos,
Marta
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | April 25, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Thanks, Suzy!
I will pass on your good wishes to Luza.
xoxo,
M
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | April 25, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Thank you, Lizette.
It was enough to see how much she enjoyed herself. What a gift.
Marta
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | April 25, 2013 at 11:16 AM
I will pass on your good wishes to Luza, Diana.
I hope to be that same older woman with red polish and red lipstick!
Besos,
Marta
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | April 25, 2013 at 11:16 AM
Your adopted West Coast Family is eagerly awaiting the day you grace us with your presence.
;-)
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | April 25, 2013 at 11:17 AM