Happy Birthday, Mom

Mom and I, downtown for the day, a few years back

Happy Birthday, Mom.

Bonne Fete, Maman.

It’s been almost 2 years,

since you left us.

I think about you,

every day.

I miss you most,

when I want to share,

what I think about,

a book I’m reading,

watching an incredible,

TV series.

and, sometimes,

when I would like to share,

something that is going on,

a frustration or a joy.

The apartment is amazing,

you would like it.

George has gotten fatter,

that is on me, not him.

The family are all doing well,

older but, fine.

The kids are no longer kids,

your sister is coming for a visit tomorrow,

she has only come once since,

I moved in, but, Covid has made,

visiting more,

difficult.

Everyone is hanging in,

people mention you,

a lot, always with a smile,

often related ,

to books and reading.

I have joined a couple,

of book clubs.

I finally read,

The Fleeing Woman,

you were so right,

it is magnificent.

The British have remade,

All Creatures Great And Small,

it is wonderful,

the young man who,

played Leslie in the Durells Of Corfu,

is Tristan in All Creatures,

he is terrific, they all are,

you would really love it.

Today is your birthday,

you would be turning 82,

you would hate me sharing that, but you know me, I share, I have no issues with getting older, the alternative is much worse.

It’s a rainy grey day,

you would probably be reading.

I might make a fritatta for dinner,

in your honour.

I know you are in a good place,

I hope you can see how happy,

I am.

I so wish you had met Catherine.

You would like her,

she loves to read,

she is an introvert,

but, she laughs,

easily and often,

she loves, without,

weirdness, without conditions,

she has has lots of style.

I love her, you would too.

I talk to her about you.

I have taken up painting,

it helps evacuate…things.

The job is good,

always new things to learn.

We don’t have to wear masks,

so much anymore,

but, Covid is still around.

I haven’t caught it,

but, I will, I expect I will,

I am vaccinated and healthy,

so, fingers crossed it won’t be too strong.

I hope wherever you are,

that,

there are books and chocolate cookies,

and people you like to talk to,

or just to sit in,

quiet companionship with.

I love you mom,

I miss you.

Your Caroline.