Happy 39th Birthday!

Why is it so easy to give and so difficult to receive? I really enjoy making a big deal about each one of my kids birthdays. We have created some fun birthday traditions - special birthday breakfast, I bake a cake, we celebrate the birthday all week, we go out to the restaurant of choice for the birthday dinner (wow, lots of food involved on the birthday...hmmm) and then there is all the special plans for a birthday gift and then a party with friends, etc. It is truly a very special time for the birthday boy or girl - Nicolas, Spencer, Alex or Emma!

I on the other hand, do  not want to celebrate my own birthday. I admit it, I do not like the concept of aging. I truly feel like I am in my 20's and I like it that way! It is not a vanity thing, I would just rather not talk about it! I was 29 for about 10 years, and now I am 39 and holding... I feel young and that is really all that matters, right?

So I start off the week with - making the announcement that I don't want any gifts for my  birthday and we don't need to go out because we are heading on a vacation next week for Thanksgiving. Ed & I made an agreement years ago to not give each other gifts only cards for birthday, anniversary, etc. I even scheduled a speaking engagement on my birthday, just to make sure everyone knows - no big deal. Not sure if it is my ego protecting me from any disappointment, or maybe if I don't celebrate, then I'm not really older.... hmmmmm

Anyway, as the Birthday wishes started showing up on my Facebook page, then texts and email greeting cards came in, I have to admit, it felt REALLY nice! Just knowing that so many people took a few  minutes to think about me and wish me happiness was awesome! I LOVED it! When I arrived home and checked the mailbox, I wasn't really expecting any cards (I'm sure Hallmark is working through that...) but my heart skipped a beat when I recognized my Grandmother Betty's handwriting on the envelope. The card was beautiful and heart-felt and a wonderful reminder of her love and affection for me. It also gave me the moment to think about her and all she has meant to me in my life. 

So, I had a fabulous Birthday! It wasn't about growing older. It was about Love and Kindness and Celebrating Life! Thank you so much, for making another 39th year so amazing!!! This Is Your Year, Really truly....

Love,
Shelly

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