Our Annual Update

 

Every year we see her. One day of the year we get an update on Dannielyn. Who is that you ask? She is the offspring of Anna Nicole Smith. Who, you ask again? Smith was big (in many ways) for a few years. I think she was trying to be the next Marilyn Monroe. Smith had a pretty tragic life and committed suicide after the death of her beloved son. Dannielyn was just a baby and for awhile no one knew who her daddy was until a DNA determined it was a nice looking man who was smitten with Smith. He seems to have been a good Dad and every year we see them at the Kentucky Derby, where the celebs gather to drink mint juleps and wear goofy hats. 

When something is happening regarding Michael Jackson, as in a new movie (which allegedly never mentions he was a pedophile who invited young boys into his lair, all with the permission of their parents) we get an update on Jackson's "children," who look absolutely nothing like him in any of his constant face morphing phases. We are once again introduced the ever angry daughter, Paris and son, Blanket. Remember Blanket, who Michael dangled over a hotel balcony for chuckles? Honestly, I'd be okay never hearing another word about Michael or his questionable offspring.

Yearly updates even happen in DNA sharing families where you will get a Christmas card and life story from a relative you haven't seen since 1984, yet once a year you'll get the news about a cousin who bought a house, an aunt who has bad knees and a weak bladder. It's weird, yet there is something comforting about it as well. 

There are certain times of the year, mostly during summer, when I start to wonder about former childhood friends or coworkers, people I haven't seen in decades. They were a part of my life, especially the neighborhood kids I grew up with. We shared secrets and talked into the night about our worries and even cried on each other's shoulders. And then, they are gone. I've been consciously uncoupled longer than I was married but still wonder if he's doing ok. I don't do Facebook or Instagram so I only hear things the old school way- through the grapevine by sisters who keep tabs. I've mentioned in my blog the strange phenomenon of far too many childhood friends dying from cancer as young adults. So, I'm not too keen on the updates anymore, especially when we are getting older and time is no longer on our side. 

It seems at times we have no control regarding who enters our lives. It's nice to see Dannielyn looking happy and healthy. I guess I'll see you next year, young lady.