Birthdays

Birthdays are a big deal in my family! They just are! We love them. We celebrate them, sometimes two and three times and then we all say, “You shouldn’t have” but we don’t mean it. We have big ones for big years and “low key” ones for off years, but even the off year celebrations are pretty gorgeous! 

Yesterday was my 83rd “low key” birthday. “What do you want to do,” asked my ever patient and accommodating husband? “Not much,” I replied. “Just you and me and whatever family can come up from LA for dinner.” “Great,” he answered relieved. “Oh,” I said, before he walked away, “if the weather is nice, let’s have cocktails at the beach.” I know those aren’t his favorite, but I love it and he’s kind of stuck because it’s my celebration day.
There is a table at the beach and it’s a half of a block away and we have to drive everything down BUT IT’S SO WORTH IT. He did it all with my 19 year old granddaughter, Tess, who was staying for the weekend (that was a treat in itself). I wasn’t allowed to see what they had planned. They were in mysterious meetings all weekend. We opened the gifts, and then we were on the way to the beach. I loved my gifts and my cards. 

So, when we got there (BTW, a gorgeous day) it was so beautiful - Rosé in a wine bucket, humus, guacamole and egg salad (my contribution) and a beautiful turquoise runner on the table. Jim, Leslie, Terry, Tess, Bob, Sophia and I had a wonderful time! Both Gideon and Alex were away on exciting summertime adventures and both called to wish me Happy Birthday.           
 Various friends walked by and sat or stopped for a birthday hug and I was so happy. We then quickly changed and went out to dinner to Tre Lune where Bob had outdone himself, especially for a “low key” birthday. Beautiful tablecloth and napkins, more Rosé, a menu with my name on it, birthday cake from Jeanine’s and the most important thing, my family!!

Days before I had been complaining to a friend about turning 83. My god, how did that happen? Middle 80’s? Old lady, no matter how you look at it? Aches and pains? I heard that negative voice in my head. But then the other side stepped in and said, “Look how lucky you are!! Aging is a privilege! Remember? You never thought you’d see your grandchildren this old remember? You’ve lived 20 years longer than any women in your family, remember?”
Oh yes, I remember. I transgressed for a few days but I’m back!
I’m grateful to be alive and feeling well! Not everyone gets to age. Thanks to my kids and my very thoughtful and loving husband, I had a wonderful “low key” birthday.
Maybe the best!!
I have to keep reminding myself. The only thing we lose as we age is the fear of aging!