None. Nope, not one. Then, one. And, after four years, there were two. Two girls, separated by four years. My youngest was my youngest for a long time…then she was part of a blended family. Where she still was the youngest, but of four. And, then, she was no longer the youngest.
A few stories come to mind. Bookends- with a middle of sorts. When Shira was young, she went to Israel. Not yet 2. And, when she and her older sister hit the beaches of Tel Aviv, it was her first encounter with sand. So, she did what all little kids do to investigate- she put it in her mouth… (No, Shira, I won’t forget that story.)
And, then when it was just the three of us, we traveled around the US. On one such journey, Shira decided to assert her independence. (Oh, wait- Shira always asserted her independence. This time, she planned to assert in yet another, new way.) She went to the girl’s room- by herself. She was a big girl. And, then decided to not come out. Not when her older sister tried to cajole her= so, we couldn’t get to our destination. Unfortunately for Shira, her dad is just as determined. And, announced loudly to anyone (there were none, thankfully) in the bathroom that I was coming in to get my little girl. And, we reached our destination on time.
She wanted to help in the kitchen. She was a “big girl” now and big girls could do things, just like all her siblings had to do. So, she was asked to wash the lettuce. Yep! You guessed it…Shira proceeded to use the soap to wash the lettuce. (Of course, given today’s food quality, she may have been prescient and killed/removed all vestiges of those pesky microbes and viri that have been infecting folks around the US.)
But, she is a big girl now. One who has her own business, and insures she has enough money by working another one on the side.
And, in less than one month’s time will be making a journey that many of us would love to do. She and her S.O. are going to travel the world. From one end to the other. The seven continents. Working and traveling to make sure they have enough money to pull this off.
But, today… today is Shira’s birthday. (Yes, she asserted her independence by refusing to be born on her due date- my birthday….) Happy Birthday, Shira. I love you.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful memories, Roy. I love to read about your family celebrations and traditions.
Good luck to Shira on her trip!
Janette Fuller recently posted..Kindle Books For Kids: The Hungry Dump’s Revenge
Thanks, Janette, for your kind wishes.
Awwwwwwwweee Bless Shira! She sounds a lot like me when I was little! I hope she still has that beautiful independent spirit of a woman untamed 🙂 Thank you Roy for sharing Shira with us today. Happy birthday dear Shira thank G-d for blessing you with such a sweet Daddy!
Lisa Brandel recently posted..Midnight Angel by Lisa Brandel
I am sure that Shira will see your good wishes sometime today, Lisa. Thanks for adding candles to her cake.
Wonderful memories. And she’s got plenty coming her way. Travelling the world? How awesome is that? I’d love to do that.
Jeffrey Scott recently posted..It’s Nothing Personal, It’s Just Business
I think we all would. Of course, I immediately recognize that my bills would pile up and I would have to visit federal court soon enough…
Oh, Shira’s independent nature reminds me so of my daughter – always wanting to do what big brother did! Happy Birthday, Shira!
Martha Orlando recently posted..Remembering 9/11
Glad to bring back memories, Martha!
Thanks for your visit and your comment. I’m sure Shira appreciates your sentiments, as well!
Roy
Sweet post. Happy birthdays to you both!
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..BLUEBERRY – CREAM CHEESE “DUMP” CAKE
I will pass along your wishes to Shira. Thanks, Alessa.
Hi Roy!
wonderful family .God bless to Shira and happy journey.i think she like independent and want to be free.i like your wonderful memories.
anshul recently posted..Online Banking Software
Thanks for your kind wishes, Anshul. I’m sure Shira is pleased, as well.