I snapped the camera just as she turned.  Just after she asked me how old she was.  Just after she said it was impossible that she was going to be ninety.  Just after she declared she was only twenty-seven.

I could see it in her eyes.  The blank stare that sees beyond time yet holds on to the past.  The struggle between here and there.  The movie that ends and credits are rolling.

birthday cake

her reluctance

to blow the candles out

Happy 90th Birthday, Mom!  I love you!