96

I leave my home around 8am on Thursday morning to meet my sister and brother-in-law in Stamford. We are driving up to the Cape. The weather is not welcoming. 

Midway through the drive the skies open and torrential rain falls. It is barely possible to see. Road conditions are awful.

But as soon as we cross over the bridge, the weather changes. It is now borderline nice.

It's after 3pm when we arrive at Atria to see my mom. She looks good and is happy to see us all. The place where she now lives is very nice. Clean. Bright. And while filled with mostly people over 90, everyone is well-dressed, friendly, pleasant, and importantly, active and aware. 

I think my mom has adjusted well to her new home. The house she lived in for over 40 years went on sale September 17. There was an open house last weekend. We got four good offers; accepted one. It sold quickly which thrills everyone.

Today is my mom's 96th birthday. My two sisters, their husbands and I celebrate my mom at Flying Bridge Restaurant. It is a perfect fall day, and we eat on the outdoor terrace overlooking sailboats and water. 

I order the lobster roll (big but not tasty). 

But it isn't about the food.

We are here for my mom. 96 years old.

Happy birthday mom. You are well-loved.