Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.
—Vernon Howard
This quote is so my mom, who’s always eager to learn something new. Today is her birthday, and in 2020 it was a weird one, due to the pandemic. Normally, we celebrate her big day together; always have. Decades ago, when my mom was teaching a class at the University of Oklahoma, my sister, Hala; brother, Adel; and I flew in as a surprise for her birthday. We hadn’t missed one since, until COVID-19 forced us to. For her safety, she stayed at home by herself, but she wasn’t alone. Adel and his family showed up with cupcakes and sang to her, keeping their distance. Later in the day, Hala joined in a family Zoom session from Dubai, and my mom got dressed up for the call! So cute. I also sent her a video with Haley singing “Happy Birthday” wearing her little purple glasses. I told her we couldn’t wait to make her cake and showed her all the ingredients at the ready on the counter. Mom, I hope we never again miss a birthday together . . . side by side. We love you!