I Am Celebrating 42 Years of Good Life

Why do we celebrate birthdays?

Henri J. M. Nouwen has a very 

good reason we all might agree with,

"Celebrating a birthday is exalting life 

and being glad for it.

On a birthday, we do not say:

'Thanks for what you did, or said, 

or accomplished.'

No, we say: 

'Thank you for being born 

 and being among us.'

Celebrating a birthday reminds us 

of the goodness of life."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

My life has never been easy.

not always fun and happy.

there are times that

no matter how hard I smile

and how hard I laugh,

I am hurting inside.

There are times that no matter how hard I beg

it seems like the whole world is deaf

and not hear me cry.

But....

having a wonderful Mother,

my late father and brother, 

both named Gabriel

who I know are our angels...

pretty challenging and fun siblings,

beautiful and sweet nieces,

cute and adorable nephews,

my wonderful in-laws,

the best friends I earned along the way,

my online friends :-)

the best employer I have ever had...

and JIM and his family.

there is no reason to complain

and not to celebrate

the best 42 years of my life...

and consider it

the BEST gift I have ever received...

Thank you LORD!

yay! happy 42nd birthday to me!