72 Years, Not An Easy Feat

Today we celebrated our dad's 72nd Birthday.

I am 39 years old and don't know really see that much of a stretch.  As I get older the distance in age seems to get smaller.  I have been blessed to be in constant communication with my dad. I appreciate the moment's we have been able to share together and value the lessons he has taught me, be it by his actions or his words.
There are many thoughts and feelings that come to mind when I think of my dad, what he meant to me growing up and what he means to me now that I am a parent myself.  When I first got married my dad walked me down the aisle and said to my future ex husband, "I give you my treasure, I hope you know how to keep her."  Little did anyone know that my dad will hold my heart forever.
He has become one of my greatest treasures.  I am extremely fortunate to be able to have a select few treasures but my dad is my very first treasure.  It was love from the first moment we met in that warm spring day in March. 

I am my dad's middle child, fourth girl.  I have four sisters and two brothers and we could not be more diverse yet we each carry traits of my father.  My eldest sister is kind like my dad, the sister that follows is quiet like my dad, the next sister is a conversationalist like my dad (now you may wonder how someone can be quiet and a conversationalist all at the same time, it's truly just a paradox and two sides of the same coin).  My younger sister is a fashionista like my dad, my younger brother is a loving husband like my dad and my youngest brother is a family man, just like my dad. Me I think I just got my dad's Puerto Rican looks (and his coolness) accentuated by my mom's South American charm.  You know, it's not to say that these are the only character traits of my dad's that each child possess.  They are just, for me, the most prominent.

My dad is a Career NYC Cab Driver (see prior post).  My whole life he has been driving a Taxi cab and loving all his kids, my mom, his grandkids and even great grandkids.  My dad is a human being just like everyone else. He is perfection, just like you and me. Yep, each of us is PERFECTION, it's just the way it is.

Today, I just want to wish my dad love, serenity, joy, presence of mind, body and soul.  I want him to know that his life's purpose is continuously fulfilled.  I want him to own his wisdom and his power.  I want him to forgive himself for any thing he perceives to have been a mistake and I want him to be at peace with himself.

I want to honor you dad, for always doing your very best to be the best dad you know how to be.  Life has not been a walk in the park but with you as my father, my dad, it has truly been a fascinating, thought-provoking, joy filled, exploration filled adventure.

I love you, daddy and no matter what ever happens I will always be your little girl.
Thank you for the love you give to everyone, the kindness you extend into the world. The non-judging persona that you have always been.  Your ability to see each one of your children as an individual and the respect you have for each of us.

And Daddy thank you for making my baby boy believe that he truly is 'the biggest thing that hit the country,' cause every person in the world should wake up and feel that way.

I love you and Thank you.
Happy Birthday!
Feliz Cumpleano papi!

Siempre Mi Viejito Bello! <---Click on link to hear a beautiful song about Dads.

Namaste!

NEW, WARM HATS & SOCKS...

Helping Friends In Far Rockaway

                                   

I am asking for your help from now until the end of December...

I am collecting NEW  & WARM HATS and SOCKS 
for the folks in 

Far Rockaway, for babies all the way 

through adulthood, men and women.

If you have

 a connection at places of business that 

sell these and can make a donation please let me 

know who to call or where to go and I will go.

The people of Far Rockaway thank you in advance 

and I thank you with all my heart!

Message me at jewelsmax1@gmail.com 

and we can set up a pick up or drop off.

Thank you so much!

 Les pido ayuda desde hoy hasta el fin de Diciembre...

Estoy colectando Goras y Medias NUEVAS para 

la gente que viven en Far Rockaway y han perdido todo.

Si tienen contacto con alguien en una tienda que venden estas cosas 

por favor déjenme saber a quien llamo o adonde voy para una donación.

La gente de Far Rockaway les agradecen 

y yo les agradezco de todo corazón!

Mandeme un mensaje a mi correo electronico 

jewelsmax1@gmail.com y arreglaremos el sitio de entrega.

Muchisimas Gracias!

Namaste.

Jewel

Last night we had the great fortune of celebrating an anniversary.
The restaurant was chosen at first because of the name, JEWEL.

JEWEL, The Restaurant in Long Island   

It's a phenomenal restaurant in Melville, Long Island. 

I recommend it.
RATING:  B++
The service was great. 
The vibe was relaxing and engaged.
The food was perfection.
The overall experience was wonderful.

I'm not going to talk about it I will just take you one a photographic journey.  Come with me...

For your perusal, THE DINNER MENU

Jewel Restaurant, The Facebook Page

Check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Namaste!