belly up to the bar, boys....

and so 2013 roars ahead...two events back to back which seemed so far away a few years ago are behind me now...first, lauren's college graduation...the second, my nephew justin's becoming a bar-mitzvah...that sweet little baby i held in the hospital almost thirteen years ago, now looks down to meet my eyes as i greet him...taller and taller with each month...one more year of middle school...teetering on the edge of the aloofness of young men...still happily gives this aunt a hug every time i see him...and now a bar mitzvah...a rite of passage...in what was a celebratory weekend...friday and saturday temple services...and then a fantastic party sunday...i found myself in total awe of the speed of time...and then at the party i paused at the realization that i was sitting at an "older" table...the exuberance of youth brushing past me on the dance floor...so i headed to the bar at the "bar"...trying to choose wisely...will it give me a headache?...if the kids knock into me will it stain my dress?...the impossibly young bartender hands me my drink...as i bring it to my lips i see my nephew...the smile permanently tattooed on his face...yep, he's king of the world...and king of the court, being the only grandson on both sides of his family...surrounded by his beautiful cousins only too happy to share in his joy...ah, the hell with it...i turn to the bartender, lifting a fresh drink and silently toast to all those not here on this dance floor...and it is time to dance...these moments are fleeting and few, as the saying goes...the daily grind can wait till the morning next to that bottle of advil!