Tuesday, July 16, 2019

I have been on maintenance chemo the last month and I am tolerating it well. Everything remains stable and my next scans will be in August.
It is my birthday today and wanted to reflect on that.
Reflections on my birthday.
I have always celebrated my birthday month because one day doesn't seem like enough time to celebrate, but I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for their birthday wishes and to reflect on my relationship with all of you.

I have always felt lucky that God has always handed everything to me on a silver platter.
Until age seven, I lived in Tiberias, Israel, with my parents, a few minutes from the gorgeous Sea of Galilee and near my father's small and loving family. Even though I was very young I have learned so much from living in the Holy land, surrounded by true idealism.
We then came to New York, where I had a  wonderful home life growing up with my mother's extended family. I was came home everyday from school greeted by my grandmother and her delicious "Babbi Cookies".
There was nothing I lacked. As I grew up, I continued enjoying all that life had to offer. A fun loving extended network of multi-generational aunts, uncles and cousins in addition to my parents and siblings. Every day was a lesson in respect and kindness towards all, and if there was a problem it could always be fixed with a joke and a laugh.

As life continued, I got married to the love of my life, had seven amazing kids and at last count, nineteen wonderful grandkids. I am so lucky that they put up with me and my life long philosophy of "Partito, ergo sum" "I party, therefore I am".

My dear friends continue to make sure, I stick to that credo. Celebrating every occasion and non occasion and living life to it's fullest.

I am not saying I didn't have any bumps along the road of life. However, because of the bumps, (not in spite of them) I was able to clearly see and smell the roses along the road.
It is my family and friends that helped me realize all the blessings that I am bestowed with. Therefore, when asked "How are you?" It should be no surprise that I  have to honestly answer "Perfect".
I want to thank each and everyone of you all for the very important role you continue playing in my life.
I'd also like to thank you all for your continued prayers and good thoughts. It gives me great emotional high knowing that you are praying for my full and speedy recovery.