Ben's Birthday

November 20th. Ben has turned 21. Now, not only is he allowed to vote and go to war, he can drink legally. This has been a little anti-climatic for him, since the drinking age in Israel is 18. But he was heavily toasted by more than a dozen friends, so he got the requisite hangover. At least he didn't do the power-hour, which is a tradition of drinking 21 shots in an hour on your 21st birthday. It is a tradition for really stupid people. Might as well play Russian roulette.

Twenty one years ago, Ben was born by unscheduled C-section. I remember holding him for the first time nine hours after he was born. The anguish I felt for not being able to hold him earlier was melted away by the absolute miracle of his warmth, his intelligent expression, his perfect body in my arms. He was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen.

Now he is officially an adult. How did that happen? I have forgotten so much. I can't just pull out of my memory bank what he was like at six or eight or eleven or fifteen. So many days have melted into the collective pot of the past. I regret that I didn't take more pictures, or videos, that I didn't write more things down.

But I celebrate the person Ben has become -- a warm, caring, loving individual who wants to do something for the greater good. I love his sensitivity. I love how family is important to him. I love that he thirsts to know the world, and does not fear experiencing it. I love his sense of humor and funny ways of saying things and how he gives everyone personal nicknames.

Happy Birthday, Ben! Here's to an adventurous and fulfilling life!