Happy 96th Birthday Mom!
You are such a special and sweet person even Alzheimer’s cannot dim your love for others and the way everyone in your life (even people you just meet) are drawn to you and your natural sweetness and joy. You’re the best!
It’s funny, I always thought my Dad was in charge, but I was wrong: it was a beautiful loving partnership. Growing up my Mom was always there, walking us home from school, making some lunch, putting our meat n potatoes in the table.
My Dad worked a lot, owning his own bakery and deli with his brother (which is a whole other story, about anger, frustration, and resentment), but to me my Mom was there to embarrass me. “My handsome boy…”she would say when introducing me sometimes. I had pretty low self esteem growing up, and my Mom was the only one I could talk to if I was feeling down, or hurt, or not like the ideal I thought I should be. She was sensitive, loving, smart, fiercely loyal, and always would embrace our friends as hers. So many of my friends and neighbors could feel her warmth and wisdom as she listened, and usually gave some type of sage advice (all the while laying on her couch).
She always was accepting, loving, and she worked so hard to keep our family together .We are all reaping the benefits now of her efforts to keep all of us kids so close. If my mom had something to say, she would say it–not in a bad way, but one where you would listen. She also sent a lot of letters; she could express her discontent (or happiness!) with you through writing beautifully.
She did not keep a totally, organized, strict household (we had our Aunt Syd for that). She let us play football in the den, leave our rooms a mess, and break all the garage windows playing basketball..but we sure ate good, and she was always there. A smiling, positive, influence, accepting life as it is, but always making the best of it no matter the situation.
My mom loved us all so much. You could feel it through everything she did. She accepted us, even when she disagreed with us…but the love never wavered.
After college, I moved to California for ten years, For ten years every conversation had the same ending: “when ya coming back?”, which is funny to think about as my own kids are now spreading out. My Mom was is also the most incredible grandma. She loves those Kids as much as her own. Moving back from California and by sheer luck (or the universe) moving next door to her and my Dad was the most beautiful part of my life.
Such a connection was built, such love was fostered and grown, my kids had two houses, (three after my divorce). It was so beautiful. And went both ways.. It’s the kind of feelings and love…that is just going to keep growing and continue to be passed on from generation to generation. That’s what love and family is.
Thank you Mom…
Happy 96th Birthday
9/18/20
The Vegan Dad MOVEment 
That was very sweet and heartfelt! ❤️
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