As I travel the globe, there is one thought I have most every place I go: “My mother would have loved this.” I felt it palpably last Saturday night as I sat in Lisbon and listened to the old men of the neighborhood sing Fado music. I felt it on the first leg of our journey in the Galapagos, and it was a constant refrain to my children all through Asia. It was a relief to finally have her visit with us in Istanbul. I was just able to appreciate how much she loved it, instead of feeling what might have been.My mother can make friends with anyone. There has never been a plane trip where she has not gotten someone’s number and made a promise to get in touch some day soon. And there has never been a museum she hasn’t yearned to go into or a vista she has passed without appreciating. So each time we speak to a stranger or I try to corral the family into a museum I think of her. Today is her 75th birthday. As Franny will attest, Mark and I are not so good at birthdays. But this year, we celebrate, you — Mom, Gail Busbie — who for a brief time we had as our traveling companion around the world. Happy birthday. This journey is a testament to you and your innate sense of curiosity. Thank you for instilling it in me. — JenBe forewarned: If you fly your mother to Istanbul and tell her how much you truly loved spending a week with her, you might elicit this kind of reaction. Love is a messy business.
Oh yes!! I just love it !! Brings tears to my eyes and I remember so vividly how much Gail loves to travel, especially with her family.
Happy Birthday Gail! You bring the world to many!
love,
Elizabeth
Sweetness
Pic of mom made me laugh and cry at the same time.
Two fabulously joyful photos
How well you know your mom, and how beautifully you expressed it.
I think the acorn has not fallen far from the tree!!!!
Happy Birthday to Gail
pure happiness!
I know how much Gail adored her week with you four. Those are memories she will cherish forever.
I love you,
Margie
Wonderful to see photos of Gail, whom I haven’t seen since you (Jen) were about 4 years old! And such a sweet post. Thanks.
Love,
Ruth
(Your cousin many times removed)
thank you Ruth for your good wishes and response. Do you ever get to the Boston area?
How sweet! An amazing family indeed.
Thank you for these lovely wishes Jen.Thank you all, too, for your comments. Of course that photo of me freaked me out!!
Happy Birthday dear sweet Gail
We loved travelling in the South of France with you. How wonderful to see this and share this voyage with you, Jen and the kids. I love the name Bubs!
Be well , travel safely and keep thriving!
JE
ps jenny
I must say, however insufficient the words might be, how deeply it touched me that you could share all of this with your Mom. I am so thankful for you that you appreciate all these moments.Large and small alike. I too say every day, as I pass a vista or visit a new restaurant, how much my mother would love to be here and share it too. thank you for sharing
It is so dear to read your remarks Jenny. I think of your Mom often, and how sad it is to lose her so young.
I do hope that you will contact me, and fill me in on your life in Tucson. Best wishes to you and your family.
Happy birthday! And love to all.
How wonderful of you to share with us your love of your mother. How very lucky you are to have an opportunity to share so much with her.
The never-ending curiosity of Aquarious… Happy birthday!
I add my fondest birthday wishes to this post. Thanks for expressing this so well, Jen. Your mom is ten years my senior, but in energy level I am her much much older sibling! We missed you in Boston but were thrilled to know how much you are all getting out of this year around the world. We also enjoyed tales from Turkey–Gail had a great time. Love to Franny,Finn and Mark. Aunty Wendy
To all of you….What a special family, full of love and curiosity and sharing all this with us. Gail, Happy Birthday and keep on going. Doris is loving all this excitement.
Thank you so much for sharing this part. How beautifully the acorn honors the tree! And BTW Jenn, your own little acorns seem to be in line to continue this joyful tradition.
You also made me think lovingly of my own Mom. “….who for a brief time we had as our traveling companion around the world.”
xox, 1FANNY
Jen, I had my 75th this year also. Why does your Mother look so much younger? Dawn is taking me to the Academy Awards, so I know how your Mother feels. You girls make us so proud.
Martha
I want to meet her on a plane!
What an excellent daughter! What an excellent mom! You are so lucky to have each other AND you both know it. A pleasure to observe. Thank you for sharing!
So sweet… Happy birthday Gail… Sending love – Becky
Happy Birthday to one of my favorite “friend’s Mom’s”. Gail always meade me feel special and important. She is a very special person. I am SO GLAD that you are all having this special time together. Every day is a gift for sure!!! Hey Jenny are you going to revisit La Caruna and our high school trip with the gang?
Hi Gail. Glad you’re enjoying! xx
What a lovely expression of your love for your mother,Jennifer. It was such a wonderful gift that you gave her in flying her to Istanbul!!! She is truly a special person and a very great friend.
These comments from all of you have touched me deeply. Thank you all so very much. I just returned from seeing Argo, and there it was-Istanbul, and the AyaSofia, and the great narrow streets. I felt like a woman of the world! Keep on traveling kids.