Our girl was born at 3:29 PM on this date twenty-five lightening fast years ago, and she has filled our lives with joy and light ever since. I tell her she's a crystal child, one who walks into a room and everyone suddenly feels less burdened, and they don't even know why. We will all celebrate by going out to dinner at her favorite restaurant on Saturday. She opted for low key this year with "the core eight," meaning her dad and me, her boyfriend and herself, her brother and his girlfriend, and her sister cousin and her fiancé. And she wants lemon cake from Buttercup Bakery, which I will make happen.
I've been working away over here, and haven't had much time to post. But there's so much I wanted to share: My son is almost at the end of his stint in the fire academy, the hell will soon be over, and in a couple of weeks we will watch him graduate as an FDNY firefighter. He did a rotation in a fire house a week ago, and went to his first fire. He called us afterward sounding as exhilarated as he did last summer when he delivered his first baby as an FDNY paramedic. He said, "I'm going to fucking love this job! I just have to get through the academy." I felt great relief, because the fire academy is boot camp and hell combined—think fire and water on freezing cold days and lieutenants trying to belittle and break your spirit, because anyone whose spirit can be broken they don't want on the team. They want only the ones who can be tough and unrattled at the worst of times, which a fire surely is. My son is not a quitter, though, and about halfway through, he adjusted to the hell of it all. "This is just what it is," he decided. And soon he will claim his longtime dream.
Meanwhile my niece and her fiancé are here again this weekend. They will be picking up their marriage license tomorrow. This thing is happening, y'all! I have to get back to work now, but just wanted to pop in to say that everything immediately important is going well at this moment, and I am remembering to be grateful.
Happy birthday to our darling girl!
May all that you dream come to be.
Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter. Just seeing her photo lightens up the world. Have a wonderful time celebrating this weekend. And congratulations to your son. The world is a better place with your children in it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robin!
DeleteLucky girl to have you for a mother.
ReplyDeleteLove 💗
Aw, Rebecca. But seriously, lucky me to have her for a daughter!
DeleteAll the best to your beautiful girl on her birth day and for many years to come. I echo Robin - the world is a better place with your children in it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenny_o, my birthday mate!
DeleteThanks for allowing me to continue to follow you. Congratulations on the new book deal.
ReplyDeleteconnie, i so appreciate you being here. thank you.
DeleteHappy Birthday and a long and adventurous life!
ReplyDeletee, that is a wonderful wish. I will convey it, thank you!
DeleteCan she get any prettier?! You are lucky to have each other, mama. And don't 25 years go by fast?
ReplyDeleteGrateful is at the core isn't it? And I'm so happy that you are happy!
liv, you're right it went so fast, and yes, when i can tune into being grateful, everything is better. hope you're doing well!
DeleteI'm glad things are going well for your son, and happy belated birthday to your daughter! I think I can see your mother in her.
ReplyDeleteSteve, I love that you see my mom in her face. I'll pass on the birthday wishes!
DeleteShe is a special one, that girl of yours. And your boy? Well, he's pretty incredible. The love and guidance they have received since birth have a lot to do with that. You can always tell. Your entire family is radiant with that love.
ReplyDeleteMs Moon, thank you for that, but you know, I think we have been very lucky with our two. So many parents do their best, and yet things go awry. And others turn out brilliantly despite horrendous starts. I thank our lucky stars every day, and pray the goodness holds. I love you.
DeleteMy second daughter was born on March 29, but in 1973. She turned 46 this year. It's amazing how fast time flies!
ReplyDelete