I am fortunate enough to have now celebrated both my parents’ eightieth birthdays with them. I wish that each of them was in perfect health only because that might mean each would be spared the many challenges they actually face every day; but face them they do, and well!
Mom is the most remarkable person I know. I realize that this superlative leaves out the rest of those who are profoundly significant to me, but I truly don’t know anyone else who so completely embodies the spirit of goodness as does she. No one knows for certain what kind of hand life is going to deal, but I know of no one who has done a better job of making the best of whatever’s been dealt.
One of Mom’s many successes has been the way she managed to raise her children to love each other. Kim is the best sister I’ve ever had. Now, passing beyond the perfunctory in order to seem serious, I am beginning to understand—through the lens of my own parenthood—how very many different ways there are it can turn out otherwise. Our children are extraordinarily close for cousins, and I like to think that this may have something to do with the example Kim and I set by loving one another in the way Mom has always encouraged us to.
Thank you, Mom, for the better understanding of what love is which comes to those who are graced by yours.
It is amazing and wonderful that for such different creatures that you and I are, we truly seem to appreciate and love each other. Life is full of miracles:-)
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