Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
My Mom turned seventy. As much as I don’t want to admit my parents are getting older (because it only increases my chances of getting older as well), it’s something that I’ve learned over the past few years to come to terms with. I think I’ve been able to do this because my Mom is a different breed. She was, and always will be, a teacher at heart. And being a teacher at heart means to her that even when it’s time to celebrate one of her achievements, she’ll find a way to make it not about her, but about how she can help others learn.
So when we asked her what she wanted to do to celebrate her 70th birthday, her response wasn’t “throw me a huge lavish party” or “I want to take a trip to some exotic place” but an idea so routed in her teacher background that it can only help make you want to make it happen for her:
She wanted to take her Grandson to the Aquarium.
And that’s what we did.
Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto is a magnificent place to go and experience an afternoon marvelling at the fish and exotic creatures from under the sea. Even on a very busy Saturday, it was an amazingly enjoyable experience. Oliver learned a lot (I think we all did) and I can’t wait to return again. Maybe for my 40th birthday? Seems like a fun place to celebrate a milestone birthday no?
Thanks Mom for continuing to be a source of inspiration in our lives. We look forward to spending many more birthday celebrations with you.
