HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLE GIRL

My favorite girl in the world with her son

Well, 31 years ago tonight at 11:30 pm the little girl I always wanted was born. I was young and thought I could do it all - two kids, single, a job and life lay out in front of me. The future was something I looked forward to and my little girl and her older brother were the center of my life.

They still are. When we think that our work will be over when they get to be adults and parents themselves, it is quite a big surprise to discover you still worry just as much or more (life experience gives you more reasons to worry)! Not only do you live daily thinking about your own children, you also worry and wonder about their children. No one warned me about that one. I certainly never saw myself as a "Jewish mother" worrier but I am becoming my grandmother. Good lord.

When I visit Seattle we are up and out of the house before noon and on the run all day - berry picking, parks, zoo, shopping; keep those kids entertained and busy all day long no matter what the weather. I come back home and need to rest up from all the activity I experience with grandchildren who like to DO things - outside - away from the house - NO sitting allowed. I lose weight with every visit. We have so much fun!!

How did my two survive? Going to the park was a special event not a daily routine. Maybe it's my fault they go go go so much. Maybe if she was in therapy, my daughter would say it's all my fault she feels claustrophobic being in the house all day. If only I had been outside more she could relax and stay at home more. Oh well, they seem well adjusted adults with great marriages, and no matter how hard we work at being great parents we are bound to fail at something. At least one thing is going to be our fault no matter what. Just go with it. Enjoy your children for who and what they are and take credit for the best in them and blame their friends what what you dont like.

I wouldn't trade my life with anyone - even if I'm not rich - I'm not poor either, and have been blessed with my children, grandchildren and a husband I adore. Life is good, and birthdays are the perfect time to remember that.

As always...I'm Dreaming in Colors