I Have My Cake!

Today is my birthday - marking yet another year well lived. Corny as it may sound, I have grown to regard each year as a gift. There are no guarantees. We humans don't come with a 100 year warranty, we just live as though we have a hundred years to squander. When my mother was gravely ill, living with the knowledge that she probably wouldn't live to grow old, she warned me that her and I weren't much different -- that she just had more information. There was nothing to say that I couldn't go before her ... but of course that didn't happen.

I feel fortunate to have lived the years I have - the joy, the pain - the whole damn thing. I have lived fully, in the moment, encased in a cocoon of love. Some of which I have spun myself, and some of which has been generously bestowed upon me.

I get reflective on my birthday (why should today be any different?) ... my heart sings praises for the love of a family I have grown up with and shared my life; my daughters who continue to astound me and teach me; my handful of trusted, dear friends (my chosen family) who love me just the way I am; and the laughs, teasing and caring of my work family (who I spend as much time with as anyone). I have been blessed to find someone to live in love with, who shares the dream of growing old together. That isn't exactly fair though, cause I have a big head start on him! My in-laws are icing on the cake - my loving and supportive extended family. Can't forget to include the unconditional love and wet kisses of my four legged, furry friend Fritz.

I believe that we choose the souls who will accompany us on our journey - some for a season, some for a reason and some for the duration. I have chosen well.

Of course, like any delectable treat, I crave many more years to live out my long list of dreams ... but I can say with all honesty that if this were my very last year, my life is beautiful and I am satisfied and grateful.

Happy Birthday to Me! It already is!


P.S. I have to thank my fun lovin, over-the-top MIH for the crazy number of bd cards she sent me. Every day I came home to LOTS of mail to open - all beautiful, thoughtful, funny (just like her) cards. She was trying to show me wow-love and she did! Thank you ...