Those who have met the Finkel family in person know that we are a small bunch. Long used to being undermined by high shelves and overshadowed by tall, long-limbed folk, we are easy to overlook, literally. But we are loud, and that certainly makes up for what we lack in stature. We are also not slender. I believe a more accurate description for us is “chunky.”

Beyond our physical traits, we have been blessed with longevity. Dad passed at 94. Grandma Margie at 97. Grandpa Abe at 90. So, when I say I worry about living forever, take me seriously.

Tomorrow, #HurricaneJackie turns 96. She lives unassisted. She manages her finances. She texts her grandchildren. She orders supplies on her iPhone apps. She plays bridge. She practices taking stairs. She reads three newspapers a day. She cleans her plate at restaurants.

In other words, “HJ” has officially reached the age of “your mother is amazing.” And that has been true for some time now. So, here’s what I have learned from her amazingness:

If you live long enough, anything becomes possible.

When HJ and Dad first moved to Florida, they were part of a new condo community. Everyone was still getting to know one another.  One day, Dad was poolside, listening to some women chat about a golf foursome who had played that morning:  Alice, Jane, Gloria, and “that slim woman in the east building.”  Dad realized immediately who the object of their envy, this sylph, was; and he could not wait to report back to her what he’d overheard.

HJ promptly reported this to me, and the “If you live long enough…” rally cry became a thing.  Years later, when I was in competition lifting form, a bicycle messenger gave me a “Nice legs!” on Lexington Avenue. I promptly reported this back to her.

Together, we’ve been adding to the list on and off for years.

We are taught that, to win the game of life, we must outperform all others. Time and again, HJ has proven that’s a lie. She’s shown that you can also win when you outlast all others. As a matter of fact, attrition wins every time.

Happy Birthday, Hurricane Jackie!  Yes, you are amazing.