Today is Suzanne's birthday. While characterizing my role in her life - and that of her brother, Rob - as they were growing up as "raising" is a test of the definitional elasticity of the verb "raise" since my principal functions were (a) to ensure the financial solvency of our household; (b) to drive the car whenever we needed to go someplace; and (c) to stay the hell out of the way of the Holy Trinity (Margaret, Suz, and Rob) as they did the voodoo that they did so well. Once Suz and Rob each reached adulthood and his life took him two-thirds of the way across the United States, ensuring that the three of them occupy the same space far less frequently, I took on a fourth function: Photographer (unless Rob's wife, Jess, is also present because to no one's surprise she is far more skilled than I). This one, which I took several years ago at Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar, is one of my favorites:
In the eight-plus years she and Ryan have been married, they have added three littles to their dynamic duo, the oldest of whom is not yet five, the youngest of whom is not yet two, and each of whom is extraordinary. That last trait is directly attributable to the home environment in which Suz and Ryan are raising them, which allows them to flourish.
Professionally, she is an all-star. She is a Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist who specializes in Early Intervention. In addition to attending to the needs of her clients and to performing student evaluations for a pre-school, she creates and sells her own materials that other SLPs can use to assist their own clients. What else? She writes her own blog and, based upon a conversation we have at dinner a Sunday or two ago, is now getting involved in podcasts.
I hope that today the remnants of Kenan (and apropos of nothing, but can we stop naming every weather event that affects our day-to-day. People remember the Great Chicago Fire, the Johnstown Flood, and the San Francisco Earthquake in spite of no one ever naming them) do not prevent Suz, Ryan, and the three kids from coming down the mountain to see Joe Joe, Nana, and me for her birthday. You really have to be in our kitchen to appreciate the enthusiam with which my grandchildren infuse their singing of "Happy Birthday" and I would hate like hell to have the weather prevent them from doing it today.
Happy Birthday, Suzanne. Much love always. Keep on doing what it is you are doing and, in the unlikely event you ever need me to drive somewhere, my keys are readily accessible on a hook in the kitchen.
-AK
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