Story 109: Address the birthday stress part2

It's official. It's the one year anniversary of my blog.  With close to five thousand views from all around the world.  To all of the people who have spent some time reading my stories or listening I thank you.  In the future I am working on converting some or all of them to youtube videos  to increase exposure, and also god willing book form.  If you have the time I would appreciate some comments.  It's always nice to get feedback.  Either way I'll keep writing, and I have some other book projects in mind.  I'll keep you posted (no pun intended)

Not only was it the one year anniversary of my blog, but also my mother's 83rd birthday.  Last year I took her to Besitos as some of you know from my earlier post, and this year my family took her to Grand Luxe cafe on Long Island, and individually to Jolly Fisherman in Roslyn, NY.   I think Jolly Fisherman is the best place for lunch on Long Island.

It always amazes me how much emphasis we put  on youth in our society, and unfortunately how often  ageism pervades.   I love the fact that on the island of Okinawa there is no word for "retired."  if you get the chance watch Dan Buetnner's Ted Talk "How to live to be 100."  He explains which behaviors we can incorporate into our lives to live longer.  I call it the six "F's"   They include

1) Friends
2) Family
3) Food 
4) Fitness
5) Fun
6) Faith

Many of the people who live to be centenarians or super centarians (110 or more) do many of these behaviors.  My mother is no exception.  Although I do wish she was more physically active.
I often tell her that one lap around the track is better than no laps around the track.  My physical therapist also used to say "Motion is lotion."  A saying my mother often says as well.

What amazed me at the restaurant was that it seemed that my mother knew everyone, or if she didn't she tried to. There was a neighbor from down the block who was celebrating a birthday and a friend from the temple as well.  People though surprised were generally very supportive.

"What did you have?" my mother asked one table.

"Is it your birthday too?" my mother asked another.

She spoke to each waiter like a person having a talk with a friend.  (To all the patient support staff at Jolly Fisherman thank you) 

"Where were you born" (In spanish) "Have a great week,etc.")

By the time we left she had spoken to every waiter and in a few cases suggested that they take an ESL class at the school she used to work at.

Now people generally dress up at Jolly Fisherman for lunch: Sports coats, nice polo shirts, dresses.  My mother however stands out.
She wore her favorite hat something similar to the hats women wear in Bolivia, or maybe some men in the Dominican Republic or Cuba.  She was also wearing a bright orange poncho the whole night.  If It was lunch she probably would do the same.

When the meal was over and we picked up the customary loaf of delicious date nut bread to go I asked my mother if she enjoyed the meal.  She replied,

"Thank you for taking me for my birthday it was simply devine."

Life Lesson 109: And I thought to myself thank you mom for having another birthday year to share. You are truly special, one in a million, and maybe your name instead of Levine it should be instead devine.