my mom turns 84

My mom was born on this date in 1929.   But you would never know it.  She still walks three miles, five times a week, and has been doing this for years — long before it was fashionable. Weather is rarely a deterrent.

Her exercising shows.  My mom is in great shape.  I don’t think of her as old.  She sometimes reminds me, “You know, I’m not so young any more.”  But I think it’s just an excuse when she doesn’t want to do something.  Like stay up late and play cards.

My mom had me when she was only 21.  Two years after she married my dad.  None of my friends, growing up, believed me when I told them her age.  She was younger than all the other moms in the neighborhood.

 

Around April 1951

 In recent years my mom has learned all sorts of new skills.  Since my dad’s been ill, she’s become the family financier.  She’s even learned the complicated and unfriendly world of medical insurance.  My mom handles all the household chores my dad used to do, like emptying the kitty litter, or taking out and bringing in the barrels.  She got an iPad and learned how to use it.  I’m working on her to get an iPhone, but to be fair, she probably doesn’t need one.

My mom still makes friends easily.  At the rehab center where my dad is, everyone loves her.  One of the administrators has chosen my mom as her confidante.  The administrator is contemplating marrying a man 30 years her senior and wants my mom's opinion on whether or not she should.  And the sister of a 90+ year old man who recently died tells my mom how much she doesn't like the dead man's widow, a woman my mom has come to like.  People enjoy talking to my mother.  They know she will listen and offer sound advice, if asked.

Even the handsome son of my parent's friend comes by to help my mother with manly tasks, like trimming the trees around her house.  And some of my mom's good friends are my age or younger.

My mother is totally independent.  Has a great sense of humor.  Is the best card player on the Cape.  And always knows the status of the bridge traffic.  

Happy birthday beautiful mom.  I love you.

August 2013