Happy Father's Day, El Jefe

Mi Padre,

I hope you enjoyed your Father's Day at our digs today. We did as well as the levity and chuckles we shared that followed the eggs, bacon and challah bread we prepared for your brunch. After all the orange juice, rasberry smoothies, and coffee we drank while we watched the game that the Cubbies won, we hope you found your time with us to be rife with serenity, something we can easily become bereft of in this busy world we live in. Just like the old days in the 70s, like the one this photograph captures, perhaps we can aim to incorporate more of these kinds of low-key moments with greater frequency for chakra alignment and spirtiual rejuvenation ;-) Like you said, you will never be able to replace Dina's Pops, but you sure did a good job today trying to "pinch-hit" by enjoying the Cubs game alongside her in the same gentle, fun-loving, laid-back spirit her Pops would have wanted. Thanks again for taking out time to spend your Father's Day with us.

Most lovingly

Your daughters,
Marla and Dina

Happy Birthday Dina!!!!

June 16, 2009

Happy Birthday Dina!!!

Most of you know our story but basically, for those who do not, I've known Dina since 1990. We met at a radiopharmaceutical company where we worked in separate departments...she in distribution, me under financial and marketing affairs. One day, as the company softball team captain, she was making the rounds to sign up new team members. Instantly expressing interest, I knew full well I couldn't hit a ball to save my life, but just as quickly I realized it wouldn't matter. From the start, we became fast and best friends. Throughout the years, we have ridden the viccissitudes of life together, balancing the challenges of life or our differences with the things that glue us together. If we looked alike and had the same interests, you'd think we were the same person but really, we are two different people who bring out the best in each other, share way too many laughs than most people do in a lifetime, and know that while we differ in so many ways, our hearts and value systems are the same. And so it goes on that we again, celebrate another birthday together, just like so may along the way. But this is not just any birthday. The world has changed around us, like it always will. But we always come back to center despite all the transitions, pulls from the past, unfulfilled desires for the present and external influences of power that tilt and twirl us from our feet. Dina will be celebrating almost 4 decades of living next Tuesday. No one needs me to tell them what this special day means for everyone who is lucky to know her. No gift has been greater than her warmth, love, and laughter. This moment will be bittersweet of course because her beloved Pops, (may he rest in peace), was someone Dina was so incredibly close to and someone she loved so dearly with every fiber of her being. My greatest wish for her today and everday of her life is that she feels her Pops spirit...his gentle, loving presence revealed in a warm smile and a big arms-and-hands-feeling around her. Hopefully she will also remember the pride and love that continuously emanated from her Daddy's eyes each time he glanced her way. May she know that he still does from where he now rests with Angels. Carry on his legacy, Dina - just the way he would have wanted you. Carry his heart in yours with the same warm and fun-loving strength and character and in his wishes, as well as ours, live the healthiest and happiest life possible. Today and always, may you experience all that is good and pure: Love; laughter; levity; serenity; well-health; warmth and joy.

Our love and gratitude for sharing his spirit by being the amazing person you are and breathing life into ours,

Marla and everyone you call friend and family

Happy Birthday Auntie Lynn!

June 8, 2009
Happy Birthday to my Aunt I hold so dear.
Words can’t aptly express how special you are to me, Aunt Lynn. You’ve made so many family gatherings wonderful with your kindness and smile. I will forever be grateful for the warmth and love you gave me during my early years when I barely understood life or myself. No matter what has passed, our love has not waned. With all the blessings you’ve received in your life, it has made our unification stronger in spirit, despite this day and age when time is more limited but faster in passing; the miles are longer in length, and the cultural stress of our current economy seems more expansive. So for your birthday and for everyday, I wish all that is good for you and your family. May you continue to receive many, many more blessings. May you also always know true love and tranquility. Happy, Happy Birthday, Auntie Lynn! ;-)
Most lovingly so,
Marla

A fave fam photo with G...

Greg with me, D, Mike and Mom (sans Dad who was taking the photograph:-)

My Bro-Buddy Greg

My buddy when I was a baby! Today is a good day to share this thought: Although you're my bro, I just want to thank you, Greg, for still being my bro-buddy and showing - in your own way, how much you care.

XO,

Your loving baby sister, Mar;-)

Mom's Reflections on Greg's Birth Day and Thereafter...

This is a photo of Mom looking up admirably to her cherished son. Only Mom's eyes could express what her heart feels when she looks at him or hears the sound of his voice or laughter. She is so proud of the man he has become. Once her blonde baby, he has now grown to be 6'4" (unless he is starting to experience osteoporosis;-). But it's not just the physical attributes that have changed and expanded. With intellect, he weaves his creative multidimensional nature with an amazing sense of humor that fortunately, has not waned over the years. Mom loves the hopes he has for the kids he has adopted in his heart when he married his wife, Elizabeth who has three children. That is because it reminds her of those hopes she has had for her own children. Despite the viccissitudes of parenting. Mom has big love for Greg. During this time and all the days of his life, she hopes he remembers that.

Happy Belated Birthday Greggy-Poo!!!

Here are a few photographs which exemplify the playful and loving nature I've always had with my brother, Greg, whom I adore and admire for his heart, work-ethic, intelligence, rational value systems, andhis concientious, unselfish philosphies peppered ith his famous belly-busting sense of humor. These photos were taken a long time ago - like when the eyebrows I plucked dutifully for the "perfect arch" began their telophase and eventually stopped growing back altogether; the photos (sans my other older brother) were acutally intended to be a "nice little photo of us kids" at Mom and Dad's house.  As you will see, Greg tried ever so lovingly wedged a a crack into the formality of it a ll with some nose-tissue I've since removed from this blog out of courtesy and respect for Greg.  I just wanted Greg to know I love him and that those of us who are lucky to know him hope his birthday is filled with the love and laughter you have always filled our lives with.  And like I've said before, may your life be blessed with what you wish for and everything good and pure. My tribute to Greg is displayed with "indefatigable" (the word Greg makes fun of me for using) love for his treasured soul is and the long-held laughter we've shared over the years that have been sprinkled with the occasional slice of unsolicited, brotherly advice is something I am so grateful for. XOXO, your little sis, Mar;-) and your other loving sister, Dina, who also sends her love and best birthday wishes to you ;-)

Happy Birthday, Glenn (1 day early;-)

Photo courtesty of Deb's relative on Easter 2009

Happy Birthday, Glenn. You made it. Hold your cowboy hat up and keep your face to the sun and sky. This is a good time to thank you for being the special person you are, for everything you have done to make our world a better place, and for showing your unique and expansive love, kindness, compassion an modesty - virtues you've long held valuable. Our wish for you today and everday is that you know the true intagible gift of love, tranquility and kindess - especially the love that your family and friends have for you We love more than our words can ever express. Never forget that, Glenn. Our heart and thoughts are yours on your special day and always. XOXOXOX.