Today is My Birthday

Yes, today is my birthday. I've had quite a few. Almost 20 more than my mother. 24 more than my father.

Age is a funny thing. In our society women tend to hate growing older. Some even go to great measures to hide their age. When I was a little girl my paternal grandmother would never tell us her age. She refused to give us her birth year. I finally found out and she will be 97 years old this year.

Do I love my graying hair? Not especially. Do I love my wrinkles? Not so much. But they both represent my life. A life that has been filled with so many amazing and profound experiences. A life I wouldn't trade for a younger looking face or streak-free hair.

As I look at my life thus far, I can't help but feel so very blessed. I have a wonderful husband that I love even more now than when I married him. He has seen me at my worst and he still loves me. He picks me up when I am down. He makes me laugh. He is my rock of support and always has an uplifting word for me. He loves our children and has never refused to change diapers, comfort a sick child, do homework and projects even at the last minute. I truly don't deserve him!

I have amazing children, including my wonderful daughter-in-law that I'll claim as my own any day--good, kind, compassionate children who seek to do the right thing. We have so much fun together. My kids have taught me so much over the years--they are far better than I was at their age. They bring me a joy I never knew existed until I had children. I love to watch them develop their talents and I love to see them do the right thing when they have a hard decision. I love each of them with all that I am.

I have a fantastic extended family that loves and supports me. They are the first to help whenever I need it. They are the first to buy my books. They have taught me so much about compassion. I feel so blessed to live near my sister and her family and to watch her kids grow up. I get teary when I hear her kids bear their testimonies and realize what good, good kids they are. I am also blessed to live near my husband's family. I couldn't ask for better in-laws.

I am fortunate to be able to live in a home that's warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A place that's a refuge from the world and provides safety and security when things get crazy. A place where love abounds and no matter what else happens, I know I am loved there.

I have been very blessed to have some books published. I love to write and feel so fortunate that some of my stories have found their way out into the world. Not everyone loves my books, but the notes from readers who have loved them are very precious and priceless to me.

Yes, it's my birthday and I'm sure I have a few new gray hairs and even a few more wrinkles. But I love my life and those hairs and wrinkles are a testament to my life--a life I love.

Thank you to all of you who have wished me a happy birthday. All of you make my life wonderful and add to it. Thank you!!