For years I lied about my age. However
there comes a time in one's life when our
children become older than whatever
fantasy one attempts to maintain. Today
is my eldest's birthday and given she's of
a certain vintage, its safe to assume I've
exited my forties... While both of us may
think that birthdays "blow," the truth is
we've both got something to celebrate.
As time marches on - the closer we get
to our individual comfort zones. In truth
one absolutely does grow older and wiser.
Even if one of us has to learn the hard way.
Elizabeth has always been over the top
and hence more than a handful. While
some claim that the apple doesn't fall
far from the tree, much like Sir Issac
Newton, this fruit of my flesh has had
to at times get hit on the head in order
to make sense of the situation. From her
very beginning Elizabeth has made quite
a few trips to the school of hard knocks
in order to gain wisdom. And while said
continuing education hasn't always been
the most pleasant of experiences, she's
done her homework as best she could.
Today she's a vibrant, complex, and
at times exasperating beauty. And I
wouldn't have her any other way.
From the day she arrived she's ruled
the roost. Always a mother hen, she's
lived most of her life accompanied
by a cast of feathered, or furry friends.
There are few if any mothers who are
as protective or passionate about their
offspring as Elizabeth is. And to her
credit, my grand daughter is not only
a lovely young lady - she's an amazing
human being. Just like her Mother.
It hasn't always been easy. There have
been times (according to Liz) when I
have not been at my best or worst. Yet
no matter our differences, Elizabeth
and I have always been able to kiss and
make up. Her growth has been constant
and ever-changing. And if nothing else
an evolutionary process. Hence there
were times when I thought I'd lost her,
only to rediscover a new and better
woman waiting to reconnect. Each and
every reconciliation, we've both learned
something important. No pain, no gain!
Let's face it. I'm not a shrinking violet.
Hence it's no surprise that Elizabeth is
no wall flower. From day one she has
been the star of her show. At times as
dramatic as anything on "reality" TV -
she somehow overcomes all obstacles.
That's the most amazing quality about
my eldest. She's if nothing else beyond
a survivor. No matter the circumstances
she arises from the ashes a victor - not
victim. Which is why while I've often
been concerned, I never really worried
about her. In the end she'll be just fine!
The fact is she's been a ray of hope
and sunshine since the day she was
born. The first grand child, she was
adored by all. Post her arrival my
parents greeted her with armfuls of
daffodils from their garden. Years
thereafter, Ethel sent a box full to
laud Elizabeth's birth. No wonder
I think of her every time I see one
poke it's head above the snow. As
with my daughter, they overcome
seemingly insurmountable odds to
stand tall and blossom!
So today please join me in celebrating
my baby, my sweetheart, my love in
all of her imperfect glory. Elizabeth is
if nothing else always surprising. Which
for an old man like me keeps my blood
going. All I can say is thanks for the
ride and... I couldn't be prouder of who
you have become. My wishes for you
are love, happiness, and peace of mind.
At this point, please stop trying to make
anybody happy but yourself. When you
are in a good place, we're all right there
with you! Happy Birthday - xoxo DAD
