two birthdays in one

Today is my sister Caren's birthday. She would have been 76 years old - and now, a little over ten years since her passing (1947-2012). 

We grew up separately. Caren was sent away at an early age, sent off to boarding school. She was my elder, and in those early years, one that I barely knew. Still missing her, loving her even more so today.

Caren's high school graduation (1964) at Villa Duchesne, an all-girls Catholic school in St. Louis, Missouri. (photo; a little curious and somewhat scary in their formal white dresses, holding flower bouquets).

 

 

 Caren and I (self-portrait) in Sarasota, 2007.

 

Celebrating another birthday in a happily circuitous way. Today is for 'Rio' who has now turned three. A very special, and actively curious grandson. Below, at our home last year in Sarasota. Happy Birthday, Budster!

 The youngest and the oldest within the family, with birthdays each, celebrated on the same day.