It is Father’s Day and I am thinking about family and dear friends and how much they mean to me.
Recently I had a lovely visit from daughter Susan, and after that, a fabulous time with
my children, Rafi and Chandra in San Francisco before going on to Los Angeles to be spoiled yet again by my “other” children, Brian and Rebecca.
My son Rafi, when little, steals the spotlight at a fashion show
Although Susan has lived here and has many friends she could see, when she visited, she gave me the only
Susan and Rafi as children
weekend she had, plus every moment she could manage. She helped me find and visit a gentle friend, who was extremely ill (and shed tears upon seeing him so changed). I shall always remember that Susan made seeing him for the last time possible.
Daughter Susan, me, and my “other” daughter Amy, during Susan’s visit
In picking a time which worked for both my San Francisco and Los Angeles families, I didn’t realize Mother’s Day would be happening while I was away. I had nothing for my daughter-in-law, who is one of the best mothers I know — not even a card. Still, we had a Mother’s Day I shall never forget — and Chandra helped to make it so. First thing that morning, she invited me to join her in bed. “We’ll be served breakfast in bed,” she announced. What fun! Sure! I was willing.
A weary but still beautiful Chandra with little Remy in 2007
However, I had to climb UP there and I am, by now, just short of five feet and their
A favorite photo of my grandson Remy when he was younger
bed is HIGH. What a sight I was in my slippery nightgown and satin robe, trying to accomplish what seemed impossible. I kept sliding off! It was a ridiculous scene and the two of us howled with laughter. Rafi and Remy, were in the kitchen preparing a lavish, delicious breakfast. They were too busy making things perfect to be able to come see what was so funny.
I could have used a ladder
“Try getting your bum up first…” (Laughter…) “I’m trying, I’m trying,” (Laughter….) When I managed that, I hung on to the edge of the bed for dear life and wiggled my way up until I got first one leg, and then (hurrah) the other up and finally— ah, ah, I was on! I probably hung on to Chandra too. Who knows? We were laughing so much, I can’t remember.
Son Rafi, his Chandra and Grandson Remy send me a hilarious birthday song.
(I may get sued for this one.)
More organized than I, Chandra had a thoughtful Mother’s Day card for me. On it, she had written several things she liked about me. The very first item was “the way you laugh”. That induced even more peals of laughter. The guys in the kitchen must have thought we were totally nuts. (She also gave me a lovely gift of clothes that actually fit!!!) After we demolished our meal and I was dressed, I decided the men deserved the “treat” of seeing me climb onto the bed. First I undertook it from the opposite side. No problem. Going back to the original side, once again it was a struggle.
“The bed is not the same height on the other side,” I declared. Rafi came back with a tape measure and actually checked. I was wrong. It was probably due to the different strengths of my own ancient muscles. Oh, well, we learn every day….
Grandson Remy now
We later drove out to have lunch with Chandra’s mom and dad. It WAS Mother’s Day and after all, Annette raised a wonderful daughter for my son, grandson and me. Altogether a fabulous visit.
Rebecca and Brian regularly spoil me rotten in L.A.
I love trains, so that’s how I traveled to L.A. to stay with Brian and Rebecca. Brian took the first day off to hang out with me, and hang out was pretty much all we did. I was a weary traveler and it was HOT, so we didn’t do all the lovely things he had planned. Fortunately, I got to have what I really needed — a two-hour “beauty” nap which helped make me more beautiful (Ahem!) and the rest of my visit a delight. I was treated again like a precious jewel.
Its our tradition and always my birthday when Rebecca, Brian and I go to Ruth’s Chris Steak House
This post is meant to express my appreciation to those whom I love and who I am lucky to have in my life. No, I am not always perfect or right or nice, but those I love and who love me seem to accept my failings and forgive my transgressions and I am grateful…..
Here’s to you and yours!!!
View from Over the Hill 