The Birthday Party

July Blog 2022                         “The Birthday Party”We recently celebrated a heartwarming birthday party with our 23 year old grandson and our daughter’s  84 year old father-in-law. The two have been like grandson  and grandfather for 23 years.The party dazzled with first cousins, mothers, fathers, grandparents and aunts and uncles. It was aptly held in a New York restaurant that faced the Statue of Liberty and a N.Y. Borough Skyline. The age range of the guests was 20 to 88, and the golden threads weaving through this charismatic group were love and history. Over the years, all these New York relatives, with a splattering of nearby New Jerseyans,have shared special moments with each other, so the birthday was a celebration  of mutual affection and memories.            The guests reflected thoughtfulness and continuity. The young birthday boy and his aunt chose the beautiful restaurant, they invited local and loved family, and they made sure the place had easy access  to wheelchairs. While parents and family gifted us allwith this lovely event, every one shared in their love for all these wonderful family members.The young college age people were enthusiastic about everyone there and interacted with the senior citizens as easily and lovingly as they interacted with each other. There was a blending of conversation, remembrances and affection. I have learned when loving words are shared over the years,  a celebratory gathering like this one takes on a Divine glow.                You may be thinking, "What do these multiple generations have in common? What could possibly keep the spirits high and the affection flowing?"  As I looked around me, the answer crystallized, which the photos later confirmed: All these relatives really liked each other, cared about each other, and found it very easy to share the warm feelings they have shared over the years!        The conversations revealed interest in those chatting with each other. The young ones discussed work plans, schools attended, happenings in their lives.The older guests seemed to exchange the joy of being together,interested in each other’s lives, while most sincerely, complimenting each other for who they are! They have always been “we” people.I love “we” people, because they knowhow to put others first,and the room was filled with “we” people.   This was a roomful of individuals who were more interested in hearing your story than talking about their own.How special a listener is.They ask a thoughtful question and the loving conversation begins.Listeners are special people.I was thrilled to be in such a milieu.From the youngest in the room to the experientially wise 80+ year olds, these wondrous individuals understand that the joy of family and friends come from giving all the love one can, being an interested listener, andbeing present in every moment shared; I believe allthese traits make us better people. As we were leaving and the fireworks were bursting, the youngest of this group, the loving Sophie,                        whizzed by saying , “So sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk. We’ll talk at our next visit.”“Yes, we will, kind Sophie,” I thought. “I always love speaking with you[and your sisters and parents], because you reach out to people.And those, dear friends, were the feelingsthat permeated the atmosphere of this   Arc of Ages' Birthday Celebration.       How special it was!These are the times  that become treasured memories!Dear Reader, I wish you endlessmoments of treasures today