Another Year, Another Birthday

Birthdays.  They keep coming, don’t they?  Don’t get me wrong; I like having them.  I love hearing from friends and family, and all those cards in the mail and online birthday wishes, lunches out with friends, hanging with my kids and grands.  And I also like having them because no matter how many I’ve had, they mean I’m still alive.  There was a time in my life that it was questionable whether I would be.  It’s amazing how strong that will to live becomes when you are faced with your own mortality.  So now every year is a celebration of God’s grace to me. 

Birthday presents are great, but what I really love is spending time with people.  There is nothing more valuable to me than relationships and spending time with those people who love me for who I am is my favorite way to celebrate.  I am sometimes completely humbled and amazed at the people who have been here for me, shared special memories with me, and continue to connect and reach out whether near or far. 

As the years add up and seasons in my life transcend, it makes me reflect and rejoice.  Mind you, not every day of my life has been cause for celebration.  There have been many hard things mixed in the with joyful.  But I feel completely blessed by the people God has brought into my life for seasons and purposes only He could foresee.  Each year when my birthday rolls around, I tick back through the list of people I have known and loved.  They are all treasures I don’t take for granted. 

So today is a day I celebrate and I try very hard to make March a birthday month to enjoy the people in my life.  The actual day of my birth matters not so much.  I will take a free lunch or dinner anytime this month.  I’ve already had some great outings and special time with dear friends.  My hubby is taking me out for a special day today at one of our favorite tasting rooms and dinner at our “special” restaurant.  After that we’ll Facebook Portal with friends in another state. 

Know that if we have connected even in some small way, I am grateful for you.  I know some amazing people who make me appreciate every day that I’ve been given.  So happy birthday to me….but I’d just as soon celebrate each and every one of you who makes my life so meaningful and special.  It’s a beautiful life year after year.  Thanks to John Lennon and Paul McCartney for their sentiments for this milestone birthday.  “When I get older, losing my hair many years from now.  Will you still be sending me a Valentine, birthday greeting, bottle of wine?  Will you still feed me, will you still need me, when I’m 64?”