Celebrating Carolyn!
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Dear Mom,
It is hard for me to believe that you are turning 80. Having known you for literally all my life, I have more memories and impressions of you as my mother than I can ever hope to recite. Starting as an infant, then to a toddler, up through adolescence, into adulthood, and now as a withered old man. OK, not that withered but you get the drift. It’s been a damn long time! :)
I’m the person I am today as a result of having you for my mom. Your lifetime of optimism, fun loving, and general positive attitude are all attributes that I think of when I think about the reasons I love you so much. You’ve rubbed off on me in the right ways, and if I think about the parts of my personality and my mindset that I believe are my assets, I have a sense that lots of the good stuff comes from you.
As I try to think back over five decades, I have a seemingly infinite number of images that come to mind. Growing up on Stone Lane. Bringing home Ratso. Driving to Sacramento to visit Nan. Saturday morning soccer games. Trips to Tahoe. Mitchell Park. Walking to Sequoya Elementary to drop me off at kindergarten. You and Dad taking me to see Star Wars at the Old Mill. Vacations in Hawaii. Vacations in Mexico. Climbing Half Dome. Swimming at the Arbutus house while you were doing someone’s colors. Hiding Kris Kristofferson in a couch or sending him down the laundry chute to your horror. Squish Burgers. Nan’s gingerbread. Your house in San Rafael. Russia. You buying me dinner on my 21st birthday. Me puking up said dinner a few hours later on a stranger's lawn. Your house in Nevada City. Your house in Santa Barbara. You meeting Natalie for the first time. You and Dad getting married again.
All the way up to today. You have been there for me every step of the way. I love you very much, Mom. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Dave
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How can I believe my Chet is 80!!?? We have shared years as sisters through thick and thin..You were my "partner in crime!" Do you remember being sent from the dinner table to finish our meal in the kitchen because WE WERE LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY?
There were the many "pretends" when we were pioneers, with our fabulous tents, and wonderful costumes. We have a movie of you leaving the 'set' in tears...maybe you had wanted to be the brother instead of the sister?? You know the male roles were always
reserved for Marion. There were many hospital and medical themes. I, of course, was the head surgeon and you two the patients.
I feel so fortunate that we have lived close enough thru the years. We had our monthly visits between Palo Alto and Lafayette when the kids were little and had crab melts on english muffins..and discover that your guinea pig ate his roommate because the 5 yr old care taker had forgotten to feed them.
I am so happy that our children were able to grow up together....this is getting a bit long.but in summary it has been, above all, a loving and very fun journey. It's wonderful to share the same sense of humor..Your quick wit is a delight..last example..A group of Dad's friends were in the back room..(we were young adults). The discussion was how many new medications were being invented all over the world. Germany invented 6, Sweden invented 4, (you added "and Mexico lost the recipe for 2". Let us hope we
continue for a long time. I love you very much. Thank you for everything!
Judy
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Wow, I can hardly believe that Carolyn is soon to be 80! In Carolyn’s case 80 is the new 70, which is not an exaggeration. I have attached a photo that you took I think with my phone on your patio a few years ago.
From Tim Lowrey (see photo)
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Dear Sweetheart,
You have been such a wonderful wife and important friend for most of my life, and it keeps getting better and better! One of your qualities that I most admire is staying true to yourself, which I saw increasingly in our first marriage and now completely. Another is how you really live from what you express with your email quote, "You are the sky.......everything else, it's just weather." That’s also the basis for so much humor that I thoroughly enjoy sharing with you.
I’m totally thankful and grateful to be partners in life with you!
With much love,
Sanford
xoxo (see photos)
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Happy Birthday Grandma!
Already 80 years around the sun? ! How is that possible when you don't look a day over 30! I love you so very much and I hope this year brings you nothing but joy, laughter, and everything that makes you smile. We are so lucky to enjoy your humor, wisdom, kindness, and love, and hope that you feel extra appreciated on this big day
Love,
Natalie (see photo)
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Many of my favorite memories with Aunt Carolyn were during the summers when I came to stay for a few weeks. When I awoke each morning she always greeted me with a smile and a hug- and she still does. She’d make pancakes or breakfast while we talked. She made me feel like I belonged there.
One day it was raining and I wanted to build a fort in the rain. She helped me with umbrellas and then brought me popcorn to my ‘shelter.’ It was soooo great!
From Emily (see photos)
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"Happy 80th Birthday Carolyn! I can't believe that I have known you for over 30 years. It has been amazing having you as another parent in my life during this time. I always knew that I could talk to you about anything and you would be supportive. I remember being so nervous to tell Dad that I got a tattoo, but I knew that I could tell you first.
My visits to California were always a highlight of my year. I think it was very special that you were able to be with me at my high school graduation as well as at my CPA graduation.
I miss you and hope to see you soon. We can't wait for Olivia to finally meet you in person. Sending lots of love!
Shauna xoxo"
“Happy Birthday Carolyn, miss you tons. I hope we can see you soon when this Covid/Omicron craziness subsides and celebrate your 80th birthday in style. I’ve known you for 25 years, that’s nuts. You have always been so kind, loving, and welcoming to me. I miss your infectious laugh and hope Olivia will get to experience it soon. I’ve since left film, but we used to joke that if I ever got to go to the Oscars I was going to bring you. I would’ve kept my word on that and really wish that I had been able to fulfill that promise. Thank you for being you, I love you, I miss you, and I hope this birthday is as special to you as you are to all of us.
Kiss & hug
~Josh" (see photos)
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Happy Birthday Carolyn,
Here are copies of a few pictures we found of you in our photo albums. You had such a cute young family. Thinking of young, you certainly look young for an octogenarian. Wasn't the picture including your mother and Miriam when we all got together at Popes Head to celebrate Miriam's 80th birthday?
Have a wonderful birthday celebration and many more to come.
Love,
Marge and Mark (see photos)