46, that's what.
Because that is seriously close to. . .
Hmmm. . .
Wait!
Never mind.
That actually looks kinda pretty.
Ok, I changed my mind. I'm not afraid of 46. After all, it's just another number.
So, here's what I'm really afraid of:
Jelly fish.
I mean, with their brainless suction and long freaky tentacles wrapping around my legs and arms as I swim? Seriously, this is Long Island.
New York.
We're supposed to have muggers here.
And scary bad hedge fund managers.
And traffic.
But we're not supposed to have things that look like they belong a safe distance off a tropical island somewhere on the coast of where I can't pronounce. So, sue me. But I'm afraid of them.
And, you know what else?
Yep, I'm pretty darned scared of that.
*checks email reluctantly to see if their is news...
(there is NOT).*
I'm most afraid of my children being hurt or worse.
Because, seriously, that scares the bejeezus out of me. And it just happened here yesterday, around the corner from me. A beautiful, quiet, good, 17-yr old girl from our school district who lost control of her car.
So, all you kids out there, listen to your parents and be careful. And remember to take your time. And know when I'm blowing out those candles, I'm making a wish for all of you.
Because, 46? Nope, not scared at all.
And all those candles just mean that many more good wishes.
I've said one for you now.
Now, somebody pass me more cake.
* dedicated to the memory of Nikki K.
Happy Birthday.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Age is pretty easy. Raising kids, hoping you are doing the right thing for them and keeping them safe while allowing them to grow, now that is scary.
ReplyDeleteBut you can handle it. So go for it!
Have a wonderful day.
Happy Birthday, Gae. I like the cake with the many candles. I have often thought, with all your swimming and elliptical work, you will probably live to be 144; the last four years when the pulse has stopped, and you are carried by sheer momentum. So you've got 98 to go, and a whole library filled with your published novels to write. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful as usual :)
ReplyDeleteI feel honored to be your friend!
Sorry to hear about the 17-year-old girl, I hope your message reaches many. Raising kids is scary.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and good luck with the jelly fish and MS (I have more faith in the MS than jelly fish)
Great post!
Happy Birthday! I hope you manage to evade all jellyfish sucessfully :)
ReplyDeletethanks for your comments all. It's been an up and down birthday, sort of a microcosm of the macrocosm of life. But then again, the lows make the highs feel that much higher. :)
ReplyDeletewow. this one really made me cry.
ReplyDeleteparentally tough, J. <3
ReplyDelete