A Celebration of Life

Newborn Me, August 1969

Hubby Holding Our First Daughter, 1992.

Colin Michael, Our First Grandchild Due August 2015

Text Message Exchange from 4 August 2015: (*all permissions obtained to share*)

Hubby: Relax today. Did you do your blog yet?
Me: I just took a shower. Going to give myself a facial and paint my toenails. Not yet on the blog. Got an idea for me?
Hubby: Birth. Yours and your grandson.
Me: *cries* ...that's a wonderful idea.
Hubby: No crying today. A beautiful day like you.
Me: Happy tears. And those are always allowed.
Hubby: They taste sweeter too.

Some people are not fond of birthdays. For a myriad of reasons they are put off in regards to being reminded that they're getting "old". To me, though, they are such a celebration of life! It's not easy being a human. I'm damn glad I made it to forty-six and frankly that amazing feat should be accompanied by cake! All morning friends and family scattered around the world have taken a moment out of THEIR day to wish me a happy birthday on MY day. It makes me feel inside as if I'm being tickled by a thousand happy little effervescent bubbles.

The baby in the first photo above is me when my slate was "clean" and my story hadn't really gotten started. I'd love to be able to go back in time and whisper in her ear, "Don't be scared now little one. It won't be easy what's up ahead but it's worth it. I promise." Not that little me would remember any of that. The second photo is of my oldest daughter shortly after she was born (...also in August). While pregnant with her and her sister, my husband frequently whispered secrets to them that he never shared with any of us (...and probably doesn't even remember now). I picked up his habit, as my daughter is now expecting a child of her own (...due, you guessed it, in AUGUST). Whenever my daughter comes to visit me, I lean down and whisper secrets to the son she's carrying. He won't remember his Nana talking to him while he's still growing in her tummy but I'll know. And when he comes into this world, I'll be here to encourage him as he grows to be a man. He already has his own Tribe of people in his corner who'll be there to help guide his steps. Those who've helped guide mine are priceless!

The song below captures exactly how I feel today..."It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life for me...and I'm feeling good."