Turning forty-fifteen seems important, not least because I am now eligible for the seniors’ menu at IHOP. I am so very, very grateful for another trip around the sun and the generosity of friends reaching out to wish me a happy birthday. Thank you.
When I was in third grade, Mrs. Dickau was teaching us how to write letters and fill out cheques (?) and she mentioned that all of the pre-printed cheques would have to change from ____ , 19__ because of the 21st century approaching. This big idea stuck in my brain and I became fearful that I would not live past the changing of the century. Well, these past 23 years have been filled with lots of living and loving and this childhood memory makes me even more grateful for this birthday.
My wonderful husband woke up early yesterday and took the dog out first so I could stay in bed longer. When I came into the kitchen, I discovered a beautiful love letter from him. After cooking my favorite breakfast, he returned to the garden to finish building a rabbit-proof fence to protect the flowerbeds and I headed out to the first of two doctor appointments. What better gift to myself on my birthday than the gift of healthcare?
A former colleague, same age as me, passed away earlier this week after a complicated struggle. Each year on his birthday, he would ask all of us to consider buying a cup of coffee for a stranger and then write to him with the story of what happened next. How did the stranger respond? Did a new friendship emerge? How did this act of kindness make the world a better place?
While Joe and I are not perfect (we still get grumpy about imperfect situations), we consciously strive to be kind in our relationships. Driving across the U.S. this spring we continue to be amazed witnessing the helpfulness of strangers, from the mechanic who assisted us in El Paso to the night clerk at the small budget motel in West Virginia. One server offered to pack up a whole new meal when I asked for a to-go box for my leftovers. It all adds up!
However you choose to celebrate getting older, my hope is that practicing kindness gets reflected back to you. I am privileged to have so much love in my life and I appreciate all of the birthday messages sent my way.