Peepa's Birthday

Leonard Askowitz, or “Peepa” as I know him, is one of those rare, remarkable people who continues to surprise and inspire everyone around him even at 85 years of age. We should be saying 85 years of glory. Peepa has a way of doing anything he puts his mind to, whether it be owning a pediatric practice for decades, showing his black light photography in a bigtime gallery, or defying Meema in the kitchen (bad idea, but he does it anyway.) No matter the venture, he dives in without hesitation and succeeds. He inspires me to chase down my dreams and has helped me to realize them as I’ve grown up.

What amazes me even more is his health. How is it that a man who drinks diet Sunkist looks 20 years younger than he is? It’s just not fair that he remains over six feet tall with mostly brown hair. Sometimes I wonder if the diet Sunkist is his secret. Maybe Peepa just has the best karma because of all the love he’s put out into the world. I’ve met old patients of his who rave about him, and every one of my friends adore him. How could you not? Perhaps his wonderful character and spirit have maintained his health.

Peepa has been around long enough to see it all. The changes throughout the world have been monumental, from color tv to cell phones. He probably knows more about computers than I do. He’s not only watched these things happen, but adapted. All the political and social changes must change a person. If he was half the man my mom has made him out to be in the past, it answers the question of why he’s so wonderful now. Peepa is so unconditionally loving, accepting, and clearly willing to change that I can’t help but admire him. It must be the craziest two centuries to be a part of, but he’s adjusted with style, charisma and lots of humor.

In honor of Peepa and his 85 years of youth, I just have to mention that his car is awesome. It is a statement to all of us to do what we want and seize the day. If not now, when? Don’t ask how, but when. I think Peepa’s lesson with the badass, bright red Chrysler is to live life to the fullest and no other way.

I love you, Peepa. I wish you the happiest of birthdays!

Love,

Audrey

These two pictures were taken 67 years apart.

It wasn’t until I wrote this speech to be read at Peepa’s birthday that I realized how much my grandpa and I have in common. We both have careers in medicine in art. He was a pediatrician and a photographer. I’m a yoga teacher and a performer. Okay, so they’re not exactly the same, but it is strangely similar. We both like to care for people and express ourselves. Crying over my laptop while writing this out, I’ve been re-inspired to work harder and do more. Complain less. Peepa’s built everything he has for himself. He makes me want to accomplish everything I want and more.

So I will.

I am.

I can only hope that I have his exact genes.