Today is Tamar’s birthday. Forty-four years ago, after a fitful night, I stumbled to the car, was whisked to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., and gave birth a few hours later to a beautiful baby girl who has now become a beautiful woman with a rewarding family of her own. This is the first time in many years I have been able to be with her on her birthday. After one winter storm several years ago delayed my return trip to Nova Scotia from LA, I’ve been traveling home before New Year’s, trying to beat the weather. So this year, with her being so close—only one plane ride away—I decided to be daring and stay for the new year celebration in Montclair, with a major bonus of being here on her birthday.
On her fortieth birthday, I was doing a solitary retreat (one that happened to be a very difficult one) for three weeks. But I felt it was important (irregardless of protocol!) to call Tamar on her birthday. After that, the last few days were much easier. Family is very important to me and I have been blessed with two wonderful human beings as my children. I am always grateful for their presence in my life.
Today we are going to Chinatown for dim sum. It’s been a tradition for Tamar & Co. for several years. This time we will be in Manhattan, joined by Aaron & Jessica and some friends from our SoHo days. It continues to be a couple of days of connecting to the past and laying a path for living in new places with new and old friends.
I think we often feel that our birthday, the way we spend it, how we feel, how people treat us, is a marker for how the next year will be. Happy birthday, Tamar! I hope all your wishes and dreams are fulfilled.
Hi,
know that you have a fan on the West Coast. I stumbled upon your blog about a year ago and now I visit regularly.
Happy New Year,
JB in Vancouver