Happy Birthday to Me!

You'd think that at my age I'd either lie about how old I was, be sick and tired of birthdays, or modestly insist, "It's just another day." Nope. I'm very proud to be fifty-one today. I've had a few close calls over the course of my life, and each new year is a badge of honor, as is the white in my hair that I've fiinally decided to let show.

Turning a half century old was a major, very positive milestone in my life. I'm no longer expected to be a sweet, young thing. Any oddness of behavior is now overlooked because I'm "set in my ways". I have my own life, great friends, a rather small family that loves big, and a job I'm proud off. Plus, I get to write and publish books!

Looking back, I see moments of triumph and tragedy, shame and elation, all marking the road I have traveled. Sometimes I journied alone, sometimes others fell into step beside me. I've loved and been loved, laughed and cried, and learned never to hate--it destroys the soul.

My crowning achievement will always be the two wonderful human beings I was privileged to raise, and grandkids are amazing. I'm still a work in progress, but for the most part, life is good.

Here's to another great year.