Happy Birthday!

Birthdays were always special in my family growing up. Traditions included picking dinner from wherever you wanted, a cake decorated with your favorite cake flavor and frosting, presents and lots of love. I always looked forward to my birthday. I still look forward to my birthday.  I like to start the celebration early--by several days.

Because my birthday falls early enough in the month, I never got the combined Christmas/Birthday celebration present. I know some of my fellow December birthday buddies have not always been so lucky. No one should have to endure a combined present.

This year is even more special than any other birthday. Back in July when I was first diagnosed, I wasn't sure how many more I would have. I still don't know for sure how many I will have. Life is so precious. When you are faced with your own mortality, the everyday is cause for celebration. Special occasions, like birthdays, are worth the extra the hoopla. I look forward to turning another year older. So many have been robbed of this because of cancer. I am so thankful I have been given more time and another birthday to celebrate. When I blow the 35 candles out on my cake this upcoming Saturday, I will wish for a cure for all cancers.

Celebrate the everyday. Tell those you love you love them. Forgive. Move forward. Do good. And eat cake! Lots and lots of cake!