09/30/2022
By Kate Stone Lombardi
It’s not quite 8 pm on my birthday, and I’m snuggled onto our family room couch, post-dinner. My husband is also on the couch (it’s a big one – deep and forest green) perusing his phone. One cat is hanging out at my feet; the other is curled up on the floor.
In years past, I would just be gearing up to celebrate. Or out dining at a nice restaurant. I’d be dressed up and made up. I’d be excited – I’ve always loved birthdays.
I still do, but my tastes have changed. Today I wanted to celebrate by spending time outside and spending time with family. We went up to a beautiful public garden in the Hudson Valley, where we met my daughter and granddaughter for a walk around the grounds. Then we went back to my daughter’s house for lunch, snuggle and play time with “Little,” as I call her.
Came home, had a nice long phone catch-up with my son who lives out in California. Opened gifts, talked to my Roomie (freshman college roommate and oldest friend), spoke to both my siblings and my (98 1/2 !) year old Mom, and got lots of lovely birthday messages. Take-out dinner and a cupcake with a candle in it for dessert.
Meanwhile, I’m going WILD by having a glass AND A HALF of wine. Bedtime, of course, will not be late. So, sure, I’m getting older. But I also know what I treasure in this life.