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Alexander Jewish Family Service Friends,

When I saw this cartoon I immediately thought of my Zayde (grandfather). Growing up, we never knew when his birthday was and it became a source of great fascination for my brothers and me. Whenever we would ask him when his birthday was, he would always say, “today”!

Later, as an adult, I came to realize that he – like many immigrants of his generation – grew up during difficult and challenging times and memories of childhood often brought up difficult emotions so he instead celebrated the moments that were most special to him - like spending time with his grandchildren. Rather than waiting for a date in the future like a birthday or anniversary – he chose instead to celebrate “today”.

Perhaps Pooh, Piglet and my Zayde were on to something. If we spend too much time waiting for something in the future to arrive to make us happy we miss out on the opportunities to enjoy the present – what is right here with us today.

Mother Theresa described it this way:

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

Planning and preparing for the future can be helpful and great fun – looking forward to birthdays, graduations, bnai mitzvot, weddings, vacations and other celebrations can be exciting. We also need to learn to savor the moment that we are in and find ways to celebrate small moments of joy, celebration and appreciation each and every day.

Albert Einstein once said:

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”

As you go through your day  – I hope that you will be open to recognizing, appreciating and enjoying all of the little things that make today a unique and special day.

‍Wishing you a, “Happy Today” – hope it is a great one,

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Carl E. Josehart, MSW (he/him/his)

Chief Operating Officer