It's My Birthday

As I get older, birthdays get more precious. I’ve had my share and hope to celebrate a few more. Oh, and today is my birthday.

To celebrate, I’m taking a stab at copying the style of the great essayist and poet, Ross Gay, and The Book of Delights. It’s a wonderful read, if you haven’t tried.

First delight: The granddaughter brings more joy than even I, a brilliant writer, can express. “Dank you, Nana” she has now learned to say with her head slightly tilted to the side and a little charming smile on her face. So much love in that little body, but also self-awareness. As a healthy two-year-old, she realizes that we are overjoyed with her little gestures, and she basks in that joy.

Second and third delights: I was looking out my living room window when I first started writing. A sunny morning in Tacoma and the roses I planted mostly five summers ago are coming into bloom. Each year, their stalks get sturdier; I prune them better. Right now the red ones stand out and the smaller yellow bush is shining. This afternoon, Jim took me to the Rose Garden at Point Defiance Park. I wandered in wonder.

Fourth delight: If you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything. Jim and I are doing well that way. My bones are a bit creaky some mornings, but I’m walking every day, and I live in a beautiful city where I can do that. No ice, no snow, no mosquitos!

Fifth delight: My two adult children chose great spouses. Each couple is living through the struggles of life and prospering. Immensely grateful to be close to each of them!

Sixth delight: We had a wonderful family get together at my house on Saturday, and my sister left us a beautiful loaf of challah. I allowed myself to eat a slice of that spread with butter for breakfast', before I ate my normal fruit and yogurt. And even the “normal” was special because I bought a whole bag of fresh peaches at the Farmer’s Market.

Major hope, at least: There is some devastating shit going on right now. But I am ready to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of our country. It’s ours, it’s still a democracy. I’m starting to work with an organization called Better Angels (https://braverangels.org/), the “…nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.” Trying to build unity through communication and acceptance of commonalities. HOPE, my friends, HOPE!

I’ll be back in a week or two with my more dower self. Till then, enjoy the Beatles!