Birthday Thoughts

Yesterday, September 4th was my grandmother's birthday. Her name was Rosalea Sciortino but we all called her Naja. She died a long time ago, just about the time I was getting out of college. She died much too young of breast cancer. My grandmother was the most amazing woman I have ever met. I was lucky to have had the pleasure and priviledge of living with her from the age of 5 until I left for college at 17. My birthday is today. I used to pray, and I still do, that maybe God had our birthday's close together because I was supposed to be like her. I guess that as I get older (44 today) I reflect on so many parts of my life - the past, the present with my children and husband and what might be around the corner for my future. I want to be like Naja. I want to leave feelings in the people I love and the people I meet of joy, happiness, grace, peace, laughter and contentment. That is what my grandmother did. She gave, she served and she lived each day in grace. I am not a writer by any means! If I could tell her story in photos I would. But for now I write this, I pray for her eternal peace in heaven and hope she is looking down at me and cheering me on.

My birthday was perfect. I worked some, I played some and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner on my back porch with my family and my children's babysitter who came to stay with us for a few weeks. I started my day with a wonderful massage from my sister and enjoyed phone calls throughout the day from friends. I saw my sister again for lunch and spent the afternoon with Jessica who is now a beautiful 24 year old young woman and my children. Mark made and cleaned up dinner and served up an awesome chocolate cake! I am truly blessed.