The lovely woman in the photo above is my mother Miriam. She is 100-years-old today! She lives on her own, walks for exercise, reads voraciously, can tell you far more about professional sports than her son will ever know, and rocks my world with her unconditional love.
I am sharing the following personal story because in the challenging times that we live, I think it will make you smile, and we all need. And like a classic Hollywood movie, it has a happy ending.
Late last year, at the very hour when my sisters and I gathered to create the birthday guest list, mom sent us a one sentence email: "Don't forget to invite Amal and George Clooney." That's my mom, a shining wit who manages to crack me up on a weekly basis.
Through a little research and four intermediaries, I was encouraged to write to Mr. Clooney with my request. I asked if he would please consider writing a short congratulatory note to my mom on reaching this milestone. I emphasized - with less than subtlety - that at nearly 100 she was very likely his oldest fan. How could he refuse?
He didn't. When I received the photograph from him that my mom is holding, and read the personal inscription, I couldn't stop smiling. As my daughter said, "In the midst of the coronavirus George Clooney comes through." Thank you, George.
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To those of you who have purchased Rose gift cards for future use, renewed or purchased new memberships, a heartfelt thank you. This kind gesture will help the Rose and Starlight Room weather the financial storm that it finds itself in.
--Rocky
P.S. The Birthday Girl approved of this newsletter.