Bubbie's 90th Birthday Toast

Bubbie at 90!

“Look at the stars. Look how they shine for you, and all the things you do.” ~ Yellow, Coldplay

Growing up, my mother would read the horoscopes from the Washington Post. That’s not to say that my mother actually believed in these horoscopes. Looking them up was always more of a lark, a fun part of her daily ritual of reading the newspaper with my father over their morning cups of coffee.

And so before school, when my brother and sister and I would come downstairs for breakfast, my mother would report to us our fortunes and fates for the day. And this continued into our young adulthood, over the phone when I’d call home from college or when one of us would have a major event, and then later on, here and there, whenever we’d chat.

But that was some time ago, and it’s been a long while since my mother reported our horoscopes. And to be honest, horoscopes don’t necessarily align with my mother’s preference for taking each day as it comes and dealing with things as they happen.

Still, with all that said, I figure her 90th birthday would be the perfect opportunity to return the favor, and so I’ve done a little research into my mom’s horoscope, so I could share her fortune and fate with her!

I wasn’t surprised to learn that the sun just happens to be illumating her sign. My mother is a Leo, and apparently this solar return is ideal for leadership and visibility. And that makes a lot of sense to me, because as the matriarch of our family, she has long been its center. Pragmatic and compassionate, she has guided us, taught us, set examples for us. My mother is gracious and accepting, informed and curious, easy to talk to. People can’t help but be drawn to her.

My mother also happens to be the founder and editor of a weekly Shabbat message, collating photos and reporting by text the happenings of her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. And she is the unofficial – but really official - moderator of our family’s daily NYT’s gaming group. Throughout the day – and often the night – she diplomatically acknowleges our wins and losses, making sure our egos remain intact after being attacked by the Mini, Strands, Connections, and Wordle.

My mother is an anchor in the sea of our daily lives. We are all in different places, yet she is with us morning, noon, and night. On the way to work with Marla. On a coffee run with Ben. Tagging jewelry with Alexandra. Analyzing puzzles with Saul. Conversing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And going on excursions with me! My mother knows my friends, my children’s friends, the children of my children’s friends, our home lives, our work lives, and more. She’s even game to join our group Facetimes long after the sun’s gone down, each of us from under our covers.  

According to astrology, my mother’s horoscope says that this year both brilliance and originality are in the air! And this hardly surprises me, either, as my mother’s brilliance has always been - and continues to be - something she shares freely with her family and friends. It shines not only through her steady and grounded wisdom, which so many of us turn to, but also through the quiet radiance of her gentle presence. Those lucky enough to be near her get to bask in the calm and soothing glow of her equanimity. More succintly, her horoscope notes “an unseen grace” that grants “a fulfilling sense of harmony whenever hurdles appear.”

And on that note, I want to thank my mom for all her love and support for me and for Alexandra and Ben over all the years. And I also want to mention my father, whom I know would have had the same to say to her on this remarkable occasion.

It’s my mother’s 90th birthday, and the cosmos say that she has entered a time of reflection, legacy, and quiet strength. And as far as her fortune and fate? Well, I’m happy to report that the heavens have decreed the year ahead to be filled with lightness and joy, as the stars invite her to honor all that she has given and all that she has yet to share.