Happy Birthday to Me!

Today was a milestone birthday of sorts for me.

It's been a day of reflection.

Recognizing the elements of my life that are an absolute gift.

Enjoying wonderful company and food

with people who love me.

Reaching a point in my life where I realize the power in the ability to just say:

"Thank You".

And that is enough.

The value of a good cry when times are tough and beautiful at one and the same moment.

The warmth of my husband's embrace,

The beauty of Adam's noble heart,

The creativity of Andrew's mind,

The awesomeness of hearing Samuel say "NO!",

The joy of Makenna's face at just being.

The grace of best friends and their ability to read my mind.
The love of a daughter from far away...I want to be just like her some day!

In this year,

I've learned not to lament those things and relationships I don't have.

I've learned (and am still learning) to respect what my body needs.

And what my heart needs.

I've learned I need old friends and new friends,

I've learned so much about

faith

hope

love

Here's to another year!

PS: A very wise friend of mine said this:

"You can aspire to live to be 150 years old. But why bother if it sucks to be you?"

I hope he doesn't mind my loosely quoted, non-verbatim, but the intent is basically the same interpretation!