On Groundhog Day 1984 I became a mom. Which makes today my daughter’s 29th birthday.
How is it possible that I have a 29 year old daughter when I’m only 28? (At least that’s about how old I feel.)
Like every mom, I love Alli so much, and I’m so proud, I couldn’t possibly say enough about her. (And she’s provided lots of writing fodder.)
These are just a few moments– and a few words from those 29 years.
Learning Curve written for MORE magazine
College Crunch Time: Dreams, Decisions, Drama
Fasten Your Seatbelt: This is a post Alli wrote a few years ago. She’s a fabulous writer; I just wish she’d write more.
Happy birthday to my amazing Alli with all my love!
Share this: 
D/
As an artist, there is no doubt that your greatest creations have been your two children. I have had the joy of experiencing the arc of their development from toddlers to adults. And, although Alli always complains that all her bad traits come from you ( stubbornness, ‘Drama Queen’ ), she also owes most of her wonderful traits to you as well. Here is my top ten list of characteristics that you share –
1 Integrity and honesty – there are no other two people that I know who have higher principles and character.
2 A great friend – Anyone who is lucky enough to count either of you a friend is truly blessed. You are loyal, always work to keep communication alive and would takes the shirts off your back for any friend that asked.
3 Neither of you has a mean bone in your body.
4 You both have great and infectious laughs.
5 You are both usually the smartest people in the room.
6 You both appreciate money, but money is not your master.
7 Neither of you are in the least bit awed or intimidated by fame or those that have achieved it.
8 You both love to read and learn and are constantly stretching and expanding yourselves.
9 You both are wonderful big sisters to your younger brothers.
10. You both, for reasons that are still a bit of a mystery to me, have allowed me into your life and given me your love.
V/
Happy Birthday to Alli. How lucky am I to have been there, if not from day one, then certainly by day two. I cannot believe 29 years have passed but those years have been good for you and add up to the wonderful, intelligent, generous, kind, helpful, thoughtful, beautiful friend I consider you to be.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
With much love today and every day.
This list is so wonderful, it deserves its own post. I’m going to frame it for Alli.
PS Hold on, I just reread it. you think I’m STUBBORN????
Also a comment that deserves its own post. I’m sure you were there on day one; I can’t believe it either; and am thankful every day of those 29-plus years for the friend YOU are. xxxoo
Happy (belated) Birthday Alli! I met you at the time of photo #3
Thanks for making smile, and realizing what is really important. She is beautiful like you.
Touching.
Thank you. xxxoo
Who can forget your CA visit? Seems like yesterday—scary! Will send Alli your love.
Oh Denise, that is so sweet. And you’re so right—about what’s really important. What’s most important to me is that Alli is even more beautiful inside than out. xxxoo