The other day, my first-born son had a birthday. Long ago (although now it doesn’t seem all that long ago), when people warned me how fast it goes - how before I turn around, my baby will be all grown up (“they grow up so fast!” were the words I heard ad nauseum) - I’d simply nod and politely smile, not believing that what they were saying could possibly have a shred of truth about it. I couldn’t imagine a time when, on any given day, I wouldn’t be able to tell you precisely how many weeks it had been since my son was born. It was inconceivable to me that each long, physically demanding day { Read More }
25 Things I Learned in 25 Years as a Breast Cancer Survivor
WIth all the attention last week on the anniversary of the assassination of JFK, it got me thinking about how quickly fifty years can pass. I have a hard time believing – but then again, I suppose I shouldn’t – that I can still remember that day with such intricate details, down to what I was wearing and the way the classroom smelled. Fifty years later, the world is still healing from the event that altered our lives. Twenty-five years later, I’m still healing from my own. It’s near: the 25th anniversary of the day my music stopped, the day the cloud cover became impenetrable, the day a guaranteed { Read More }
Overheard in the Shoe Department
Although my sister and mom both live within driving distance - an hour and two hours away, respectively (that's on a good day when the traffic gods cooperate. When they don't, well, all bets are off), our schedules don't allow us to get together too often. This past Saturday when hubby was out of town with our boys - their way-delayed annual father's day overnight - mom, Lynne and I had our sleepover, beginning with - what else - a trip to the nearby Lord & Taylor for boots. Why is it that every time we get together one of us "needs" to shop? But, you know, those friends & family sales are { Read More }
On Not Procrastinating
How can I think that time is limitless? I know it's not. I learned this early when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at a relatively young age. I was reminded of it when I lost my two best friends to the same disease. I knew it when other's close to me died; a cousin's young wife, more friends and acquaintances, and too many relatives. And, on a lighter note, I knew it when I missed that recent 30%-off-everything-in -the -store sale by a day. Not to sound morose, but our so-called window is closing a little more every day. And although we all know it - I know it - too many times we/I don't really { Read More }
50 Things I Learned in 50-Plus Years
In a few days, I’m turning 50-something. There's no point in denying so-called aging– it’s something I wasn’t always convinced I’d be here to enjoy witness– but I can't help getting my real age number stuck in my throat when I have to actually say it. It kind of reminds me of the time in fourth grade when I was sucking on a huge sour ball in math class and accidentally swallowed it, but couldn't say anything to the teacher since I wasn't supposed to be eating any candy, much less a huge sour ball...oh, never mind. So let’s just say the birthday after this one is a BIG one that will have a big fat { Read More }
Never Say Never: What I Learned From My High School Reunion.
Part Deux. You've probably figured it out by now that I went to the big reunion. I'll admit: it was tough to come to that decision. I ruminated for months. And then, naturally, I stressed out about what to pack. (But that's nothing new...I ALWAYS stress out about packing). One thing I knew for sure: I was packing my highest heels. I was so over my height issues - although I'll always remember the remarks "How's the weather up there?" and "Run, Spider Legs, Run!" Only they don't sting the way they used to). Halfway there, I longed to turn around and head home. Suddenly I had lots of passengers in { Read More }
I’m Never Going to My High School Reunion, I Said. Never.
PART ONE. Just last summer, I was shocked into the harsh reality of realizing just how quickly time passes. I received an invitation to my 40th high school reunion. How could it be? Was it really that long ago that I was that skinny, self-conscious girl with the tight unwrinkled skin and healthy hair-that-had-never-seen-chemicals? The one who never thought she'd be looking back years later and wishing she still looked half that good?? "Oh, honey, you've got to go!" exclaimed hubby. Was he looking to get rid of me for the weekend, or genuinely excited for me? "No way am I going...not after all this { Read More }
Every Generation Thinks the Same
A few years ago, my mother mailed me a poem she'd written to me when I was approaching my teens. "I thought you'd like to have this," she scrawled across the top of the paper. I'd forgotten all about that poem until recently, when I was cleaning out my files (we're getting ready to move - more on that another time. All I can say now is that it is a MAJOR pain in the ass undertaking, not to be taken lightly). I must not have been treating my mother very kindly. At 11, I thought I knew a lot. (I knew nothing). My mother constantly embarrassed me. I thought she acted too young for her age. I thought { Read More }
Family Bonding
Some months before my sister Lynne was turning 60, she made her birthday wishes known to me: She wanted to celebrate her big birthday in Aruba with me and my mother. The three of us hadn't been in one place for a so-called extended period of time since...I can't remember. Over the years, due to physical distance, work, raising families and general busy-ness, our times together were never enough. Lynne and I would meet in Manhattan (a halfway point for us) for an occasional Broadway show and lunch or dinner. But then, we'd go our separate ways. I'd visit my mom, or she would come here. But then it was { Read More }