So many things going on lately that I forgot my birthday many times. That is highly unusual as I am bewildered each year when the town doesn't have a parade or I am not given a key to the city in honor of my special day. It IS my birthday after all, people. I love birthdays. Mine especially.

This birthday was especially bittersweet. I have many things on my mind that weigh heavy on my heart. It's just life, perhaps, but I will stand behind the fact that I have been given a little too much lately and I always feel like I can't catch my breath.

Having said that, my greatest gift was that my mom was here. She is the ultimate. I'm sort of crying now because I dropped her off at the airport this morning and while I intellectualized the whole thing two hours ago knowing I will see her soon, I cry now because she isn't here.

It was really wonderful having her here and as I said a few days ago, I felt fluent. She speaks my language and I hers. She is open and loving and appreciative and smart. I said to my sister on the phone this morning "I miss my friend."

We dropped the kids off at the ProClub yesterday and went to see the movie Evening. It was a beautiful, all star cast. I would have done a few things differently and feel it didn't live up to its full potential but I couldn't think of a more perfect person to have seen it with. We cried a lot. It brought up so many things about life...and death.

After the movie, I took a long nap. Peter got home and took the kids to get sushi for dinner. Mom and I had a lovely, leisurely, QUIET cocktail hour chatting, uninterrupted, about life and reminiscing about Dad.

The sushi was delicious (thanks for the rec, SD!) and even more delicious was the best cake on the planet. My mom agreed that she has never had a cake so good. Mmmmmmmm. There were wonderful presents from all and I felt very loved. I always do actually. Life is good.

I really have no words for what my sister wrote to me. Thank you my sweet Megs.

If you don't have a sister, you should really look into it. But I do have to tell you I already got the best one.

An update on June and her brood - Everyone is doing well and thriving. I will post pictures later or tomorrow. June is doing well and it seems her deadbeat husband, Jack, has returned as he likes to yell at us too when we check on the babies. In my mind I have imagined him in a little wife beater boozing it up with his bird cronies.

And finally, to my dearest Moynihans - This too shall pass. Can't wait to celebrate. Love you.