My Birthday 2012

Yeah Paul - it's MY birthday too...:)

Fourth of July celebrations I've been alive for:
1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.  I've been alive for every one of 'em. 

53 so far. 
Count 'em...
Fifty-THREE times I've completed a rotation around the sun.
Fifty THREE times I've celebrated Christmas.
Fifty THREE times I've seen the seasons change from Winter to Spring to Summer to Fall.

I'm a lucky lady.

It seems like a long time, and yet - think of how many other things I've done 53 times without even thinking:
Start the car, walk to the mailbox, call a friend, commute to work, talk on the phone, pay bills, say "I'm fine, how about you?".

It's been the blink of an eye.

I hope I have a lot more years left, but if I don't - I'm glad for the ones I've had.

Within the years I've had are small moments that contain the power of eternity;
when I joined with others to sing songs of peace
when I had a conversation that brought together time and space and love,
when I felt the love and support of people who cared about me,
when I looked up in the sky and saw all the stars and felt little and big at the same time,
when I shared the love of an animal - Susie, K-K, Penny, Yellow Bird, Green Bird, Kelsey, Chief, Little Kitty, Rio,
and when I walked in the forest and felt part of something bigger than myself.
Eternity lasts forever.

I'm a lucky lady.

Until I have the wisdom to remember that each day is it's own commemoration - I'm glad my birthday reminds me.

Love to all -

Vicky