Another Year to Celebrate

Although I wrote this 2 years ago, it is well worth reposting and remembering again. This year, more than any other, as I turn that formidable 60, it rings truer than ever. In this past year, I have had many reasons to celebrate. I have also had losses, of friends my age, that make me realize that each day is worth celebrating.
 "It takes a long time to grow young."
~Picasso~

The funny thing about birthdays is that it reminds you of how old you are. I guess I didn't really think about it in this picture here. Obviously at one, I was pretty clueless as to what this celebration was all about. But here, it is evident that I am pretty excited. That carosel cake must have certainly been a surprise! I don't ever remember a time when my birthday was disappointing to me. I love the excuse to celebrate. So many of those early birthdays that you can't wait for. Finally 10, now a teenager, then 16, yeah 21 and all of a sudden whoa you're 30! Even scarier is when you have a son that is 30! I try not to think of what all of that means because there are so many other important reasons to be thankful on my birthday.
Of course, this year, as I think about all those birthday candles I have blown out over the years, and realize that I don't ever remember making any wishes before blowing them out, I wonder if I can cash in on those wishes now. Oh if only I could. My wish would be that my mother and father would have celebrated with me. That I would have opened the mailbox and found the birthday card waiting, addressed to me from Brookside Dr., that the phone would have rung with their voices singing in unison on the other end. But I know there are so many other important reasons to be thankful. So many other reasons. I keep telling myself, yes there are.