happy birthday!

Yesterday was my youngest child's birthday. She was twenty-two years old. Yesterday was Thursday. She was born on a Thursday. It's hard to believe that my baby has lived more than two decades. I barely feel older than that myself. Oh, my knees ache and I have to watch what I eat, but I'm still interested and curious. I know that she was happy to be celebrating her birthday but was a little serious, sad too. I have passed the half century mark a few years ago and many of my friends are just approaching it. 50 didn't bother me. 40 didn't bother me. 30 didn't bother me. 25 bothered me. Imagine. Twenty five! I'd love to be 25 again. Especially knowing what I know now.

We celebrated quietly, like we do. Just us. My daughter spent the greater part of her day at work...that's when you know you're really grown. When you go to work on your birthday. And when there is no party to speak of. The day passes and you're older and that's it. (I did give her a new dress and sandals to wear).

Her sister baked her a cake and made homemade whipped cream and I decorated it with fresh strawberries. The cake was tiny and low carb. But very good and, of course, we added ice cream. Dinner was her request: chicken parmesan (I tried something new and rolled pounded chicken breast with prosciutto, basil pesto, provolone then baked it with tomato sauce and more chees on top). We had a dish of sauteed vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, onions) and gnocchi made from ricotta with basil pesto sauce on top. No salad for dinner just cut up celery with ranch dressing for dipping.

After we ate she opened her gifts and we played a card game that she wanted to play. A quiet night. A nice night. Everyone was in bed early. Work today.









It's hard to grow up and realize that not all the friends you thought were true are true. Everyone disappoints. To what degree is the only variable.

Hey kiddo...I know you read this...I was there that day and always will be until you don't need me to be and back again when you do. Hope yesterday was one of your good birthdays!