1977

ROBIN BENWAY

My mom knows how to bodysurf, whistle, catch a pop fly in baseball, ride a unicycle, water-ski, roller skate, and play the accordion. She’s my first phone call regardless of whether I’ve had a great day or a terrible one. This is her at twenty-six years old, at a baby shower thrown by her friends, looking forward to the next adventure (which just so happened to be me). It’s how I always imagine her: happy, armed with great hair and relentless optimism. She is forever looking forward, excited to see what’s going to happen next. I’ve had many wonderful successes in life, but my greatest stroke of luck was getting her for a mom. She’s my best friend, but I’ll never be as cool as her.