Serenity, Family and Mother's 83rd Birthday

Yesterday was August 4th, a very special day in my family.  In 1929 Doris Martin was born at home, the youngest of 3 sisters.  My mother and her sisters were first generation Americans, their father and mother were Russian Jews whose families were persecuted.

We celebrated my mother's birthday they way she wanted surrounded by family and friends at her synagogue on Sat morning and she was called up for an honor and to read from the Torah.  In the evening my sister had a relaxed dinner at her home ending with mother's favorite cake - Italian Rum Cake.  It was a day filled with laughter, chatting, eating, drinking, love and appreciation.  The only thing missing were 2 grandchildren who couldn't get away.

I have come to the conclusion that spending time surrounded by my family for the most part can be serene with moments of chaos.

By the way, last weekend I spent in New York City visiting and having fun and relaxation with my daughter.  The question on my mind how can anyone be serene in New York City, talk about chaos.  I know that the parks within and throughout the City provide a basis for a sense of serenity, but the city itself, no way.  So the key word in the paragraph was relaxation, not serenity.  I love New York City as a fun, exciting place to hang out, visit and play, but I am very happy to return to my home in the 'burbs, surrounded by greenery, grills, birds and the quietness of my home.

Serenity can be found in family, found in friends, found in religion, found in within your home and absolutely within yourself.