I am just coming off of a birthday celebration extravaganza for my mother, who just turned 90 years old, joining my father of 90. Both my parents are still seizing life with incredible enthusiasm and energy. Their "dance card" is full as they both lead vibrant, active lives. What I know to be true is that their youthful attitude is really about living life to the fullest. They are constantly expanding, not shrinking from life, providing wonderful role models for all of us.
photo by Emily Heller Photography
My brother made a toast to my Mother that I would like to share...
"When I told people I was coming to Chicago for my mothers 90th and that both my parents were alive at 90 and still active, everyone, without exception, said “you are so lucky.” Yes we’re so lucky. I cannot think of another word for it. We are so fortunate that here I am the youngest of 4 children and at 57 to have our parents in our world and in our lives. It feels like a blessing that is beyond compare. It is truly priceless and it is something to know one’s blessings. And I think knowing one’s blessing has been a true gift and legacy from Mom. Although she has lived with inarguably tremendous abundance, there has never been a moment that she seems to have taken it for granted. She has always been deeply, deeply appreciative and has never let a day go by where she didn’t say to herself and everyone else how luck we are. And I feel that deeply tonight. This is what you wish for. This is the good stuff. This is what matters. Without this, the rest of it just doesn’t matter very much. To be here tonight is a blessing beyond measure. It feels tremendously abundant and we appreciate it... and we appreciate Mom on her birthday and all that she has given us and that she is still giving to us today."
My Mother's birthday ALWAYS falls during the annual Perseid Meteor Shower on August 11th and 12th. It is an amazing late summer night display of awe and wonder...and a reminder of how the world continues to work in mysterious ways.
photo by Emily Heller PhotographyMy brother made a toast to my Mother that I would like to share...
"When I told people I was coming to Chicago for my mothers 90th and that both my parents were alive at 90 and still active, everyone, without exception, said “you are so lucky.” Yes we’re so lucky. I cannot think of another word for it. We are so fortunate that here I am the youngest of 4 children and at 57 to have our parents in our world and in our lives. It feels like a blessing that is beyond compare. It is truly priceless and it is something to know one’s blessings. And I think knowing one’s blessing has been a true gift and legacy from Mom. Although she has lived with inarguably tremendous abundance, there has never been a moment that she seems to have taken it for granted. She has always been deeply, deeply appreciative and has never let a day go by where she didn’t say to herself and everyone else how luck we are. And I feel that deeply tonight. This is what you wish for. This is the good stuff. This is what matters. Without this, the rest of it just doesn’t matter very much. To be here tonight is a blessing beyond measure. It feels tremendously abundant and we appreciate it... and we appreciate Mom on her birthday and all that she has given us and that she is still giving to us today."
My Mother's birthday ALWAYS falls during the annual Perseid Meteor Shower on August 11th and 12th. It is an amazing late summer night display of awe and wonder...and a reminder of how the world continues to work in mysterious ways.