I'll be lucky if I make it to 93, although I do know someone who has—my Mom.

Today is her 93rd birthday. We are having a family celebration this morning at the Sunrise Assisted Living Center where she has called home for over 8 years. Although she can't remember much, she has experienced a lifetime of memories that my sister and I now seem to have.

As a brief history, she grew up in Brooklyn near the Navy Yard in government housing (her dad was a Navy man). She was a teacher, political activist, and raised two children in Lynbrook first, then New Hyde Park. She was a tough but fair woman, always expecting our best and letting us clearly know when we didn't meet her expectations. Yet, she was always supportive and willing to pitch in to help where she could.

When she first moved into Sunrise and was relatively cognizant, I asked her how long she thought she would live. She immediately said 89. Of course, I asked why, and she responded, "Did you ever see what someone looks like when they're ninety?"

Well, Happy 93rd Birthday, Mom! :-)