When I notice one bright star in the sky, I make a wish hoping my wish will be granted. Since I was a young woman, I have wished the same wish. So far, so good.

I have never hoped for material possessions or asked a star to do something for me. I have asked ‘my star’ to grant me this wish: Good health for my family. What do you wish for? 

A Catch 22

Yesterday was a catch 22. It was my ultimate concierge’s most special day of the year, his birthday.

We planned to spend the day and evening alone, but the day before, I learned that my friend’s sister died. Of course, my husband, on his birthday, took me to the funeral. I sat in the synagogue holding my husband’s hand and wishing my girlfriend still had her sister, and that I was somewhere else, celebrating my husband on his special day.

Next to me sat a close friend who I had no idea I would see at the funeral. Her husband is not well, and though she did not know, I sat there worrying about her.

And then I drifted into my own zone and thought about my ‘always wish’ upon my star and said a silent prayer to God asking for good health for my husband and my family.

Even in Stormy Seas, I Feel Lucky

At the funeral, several friends came up to me. Their smiling faces upon seeing me and my feeling of happiness seeing them calmed the stormy seas in my mind.

Upon returning to our condo with my birthday husband, I saw our doormen and many familiar smiling faces in our lobby.

I felt so lucky to live where I live, know who I know, love who I love and feel grateful that I have my head on straight; meaning my priorities. 

To all of you darlings who comment on and read my musings, I believe you have your heads on straight, too. We are of the generation ‘who get it.’ But what does ‘get it’ mean?

It means we are grateful for the essential things in life. We treasure the love we feel for our family, love for our spouse or significant other, and love for close friendships.

We know that material possessions do not bring inner happiness, but that laughter and curiosity and being human — instead of just a human being — bring joy. And, we know that when we wish upon a star, the best medicine is to ask that one bright star in the sky for good health and not material wealth.

The Important Things in Life

I fixed my darling husband lunch, signed four birthday cards (one is never enough for this husband of mine), then I ran up to the seventh floor in Water Tower Place and bought the man who has everything his birthday present, his favorite caramel popcorn from Garrett Popcorn.

Then I raced to the park across the street from our condo to meet my ultimate concierge at his favorite park bench. I kept him company while he smoked his cigar, given to him on his birthday by my mother’s caregiver, Annette. We stayed in the park for an hour.

At home, his phone rang and rang as calls from grands and friends and family poured in, all wishing him a happy birthday. (My phone rang and rang with friends + family wondering why they could not reach him on his phone! He does not “click over” this man of mine.)

Later in the evening, we went to Gene and Georgetti for dinner, just the two of us, when by chance in walked one of my husband’s best friends and his wife, who asked to join us for dinner. What a lovely surprise for him, though selfishly I would have preferred having dinner alone with my birthday boy.

After a delightful dinner, four of the waiters sang happy birthday and presented my husband with a little cake and candle. We left the restaurant happy. Upon arriving home, we dug into the caramel popcorn, talked for a while and went to bed.

I laid awake thinking about the day. It was a catch 22. The end of one life and the celebration of another.  One household in mourning. Our home filled with joy.

That is why, my darlings, it is important to treasure and be grateful for the essential things in life.

What Are You Grateful For?

I cherish you, my dear readers, and I welcome you to share your thoughts and experiences either in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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