70

My mother turns 70 today.

There isn’t enough space in all this blog to tell about how amazing she is; I’d need as many days as she’s been alive.

There’s an interesting point that happens where you start to “catch up” to your parents. Of course you both age one day every day, but the ratios change. When you’re five years old, your parents might be anywhere from around five to eight times as old as you, on average. By the time you’re in your forties, they might not even be twice as old as you anymore. That ratio feels meaningful.

My mother cleared basically every hurdle of modern life – a long and fulfilling career with a solid “brass ring” retirement that she now enjoys; a 40+ year marriage; a loving and solid family, both immediate and extended; many life-long friends with countless memories of grand adventures; vibrant hobbies and life experiences. If I can say the same at 70, my life will be a clear success. I am inspired by her.

And to top it all off, she did all that while remaining the kindest, saintliest person you’d ever meet. She’s a blessing to us all, and she is a constant reminder to me that if you’re clever and diligent, you never have to be vicious.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.