Today’s my birthday. In the past I wouldn’t have cared much except for the fact that I was growing older. Just another reminder that I couldn’t do the same things I did ten or twenty years ago which would be reinforced every time I looked in the mirror and saw the increase of lines on my face (although no gray hair yet). Evident in my slower pace, falling asleep in the recliner and the fact that I would rather spend the evening watching TV or reading a good book then going out.
But birthdays since my diagnosis have taken on a whole new meaning. In fact I have instituted an event called “birthday week” where I celebrate all week instead of one day. Birthdays now mean I have made one more year then I thought I would. It’s not about celebrating turning a year older, it’s about life. Time I have been given to be with my family and friends. When I was at the hospital last week the nurse who checked me in mentioned we shared the same birthday. My response was something positive (sorry I don’t remember my exact words because her come back to me knocked me for a loop) and she said “just another year closer to dying”. For once I was speechless. Here she was working in a department where all the patients she saw were hoping and praying to see many more birthdays and saw them as positive events in their lives while she looked at the negative of getting older. My guess is that every patient having chemo that day would have gladly traded places with her,
So, did I mention today’s my birthday??? I have been celebrating it all week and will continue to into the weekend. As I look at the cake glowing brightly with one more candle added to it I’ll be thankful that I’ve added yet another year.
Wearing my new birthday Dancin’ shoes and singing Happy Birthday to me!
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