A Life (Really) Worth Celebrating

A lot of people seem to have a birthday today. Daniel Radcliffe, Mrs. Poporad, etc. But by far the most important birthday we celebrate today is my grandpa. Today is his 90th birthday! I am so proud of him for the things that he's done.
He is one of the most in shape 90 year olds I know - he still drives all the old widows to their doctor's appointments, he works out a good bit, and he golfed up until a few months ago. He's lived to 90 with very few health problems - one knee replacement, a couple of illnesses here and there, but nothing serious.
He's had serious obstacles in life, though. As I mentioned before, he lost his only son on Father's Day while on vacation. I can't imagine what he's gone through emotionally because of that, but he never let his grief show around me. He lived through WWII, the Great Depression, 9/11, the death of his wife 6 years ago, the death of a lot of his friends, some siblings, etc. The emotional situations my grandpa has endured have shaped him into the person he is - strong and loving.
He has always been special to me. We used to hide candy in his dresser drawer and I was so convinced my grandma didn't know....she did. But we just have so many good memories.
I went up into my grandma's old room, just to remind myself of how much I loved her. Nothing was changed. Everything was exactly how she left it, even after six years. I could tell my grandpa had been in there, but he clearly didn't want to disturb anything. It was sweet knowing that he treasured her memory so much.  They had 56 years together, and I think that's beautiful.
So here's to my grandpa - the most wonderful man I know. I love you!! Happy 90th birthday, and here's to many more!

Unconditional...what??

I went to see a show called "Sondheim On Sondheim". For those of you who don't know, Stephen Sondheim is one of the most brilliant musical theatre composers ever. His music is incredible. Anyway, they filmed him talking about his life and putting his songs in to fit whatever they were talking about in the dialogue. Near the end of the show he was talking about his mother. He never had a good relationship, but he just assumed that it was something that would resolve itself. Later in life (around age 40) he received a letter from his mother. She was about to go into open-heart surgery. The note read: "I want you to know, as I go into open-heart surgery, that the biggest regret I have in life is giving you birth."
I sat there for a minute just in shock - how could any mother say that to her son?? I was stunned. My mom and I don't always get along, but she's NEVER said anything even close to that. A mother's love is something that is irreplaceable. I was just shocked. After that they played one of his songs: Children Will Listen. I found it really touching that they played such a poignant song having to do with parents after finding out what his mother did. It just really touched me.

Relaxation

Wow. It's been a while since I've posted. I'm so sorry neglecting this! So what's been happening in all of your lives lately? Yesterday LITTLE WOMEN opened! It was a fabulous show. :) I have never been more proud to be a theater person. I was super worried because half the cast was sick and I started feeling awful two days before opening. I freaked out. I was also completely exhausted, which didn't help. John helped me calm down and eventually I did...about 2 seconds before I had to go on stage. One of my acting teachers gave us this incredible breathing exercise that calmed me a lot too. I had time to pray during acting class, which was a new thing for me. But it was an amazing show. People were so wonderful afterwards. I'm so blessed.
I hope you've all been having a wonderful few weeks! God bless you!