June 13th means many things to me. First, my late mother was born on June 13th, next the Professor’s daughter was born on June 13th, and last but not least, Pearl Bailey was born on June 13th. So, as I said, June 13th is a very good day.
My mother was born in the year 1929 just months before the big Stock Market crash which began the Great Depression. I often wonder how it affected my grandparents who were young, hardworking, fun-loving people. The world changed dramatically for these two barely out of their teens, yet they survived and thrived on love and a year later did it again when my uncle was born.
Professor tells me his magical daughter came into this world on the ominous day of Friday the 13th. He always laughs at that superstition because he says in reality, it was his lucky day! I agree. I know how lucky I feel to have this delightful girl to love.
So, is it any wonder that Pearl Bailey would be born on this auspicious day, too? Or that she was beamed into my life in the manner she was. It’s like she joins in with the generations of fine women born on this same day. I like that notion. I also like the similar feelings I have for these Grande Dames; I love all three of them intensely. Where I lost my mother in a physical sense, my love for her has never wavered. While I did not give birth to Daughter, I love her in all ways. And Pearl Bailey, well honey…you were just the bonus I needed when I had to say goodbye to Max & Misha only 5 weeks apart. You brought healing to my life. So, Pearl Bailey I say to you in the words of my beloved Bob Dylan, “If not for you…”
June 13th ~ Happy birthday to all three of you admirable gals – long may you reign!
“If not for you, my sky would fall
~ Bob Dylan
Rain would gather too
Without your love, I’d be nowhere at all
Oh, what would I do, if not for you?”
