Esther Rowland – solar eclipse 2024
I want to take this moment to give a shout out to my mom, Esther Rowland, who turns 98 today. You’d never know it to look at her – she certainly doesn’t act her age.
Mom is one of the busiest people I know: she is a member of 2 writing groups, 2 book groups and a storytelling group. And she manages to do those things in between her Pilates class, her physical therapist and her dates with several friends who go for walks or come over for lunch.
She’s been living in the same apartment for nearly 50 years (now with a young graduate student and I go on the weekends) and is like the mayor of the building. Plus, she texts (yes texts!!) me every day to show me that she got to the “genius” level of Spelling Bee. (Sometimes by 9:00 am!). My mom is teaching us all how to age with dignity and grace, as well as the importance of community, friends, and family.
So here’s to you, Mom! Thank you (and Dad) for setting such great examples of how to live your values, give back to community and to love your family fiercely. You are my role model. I want to be like you when I grow up!