I don’t feel 38…yet.
I enjoyed a lovely day with good wishes from friends near and far on social media, a birthday lunch with my sweet husband and Memphis, a nice coffee outing with a dear friend, dinner at one of my favorite restaurants with Sam, and cake with my kiddos, parents, hubby, and dogs (no, the dogs did not get cake).
Thank you to those of you who took time out of your day to wish Kirsten and me a happy birthday–from messages on Facebook, texts, visits in person, chatting via Marco Polo, it is much appreciated. We feel very fortunate to have so many wonderful people in our lives, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
I started thinking about social media some yesterday. In a way, social media is a connector–we are connected to family and friends who are miles and miles away. We get to see their lives unfold through various posts, photos, videos, etc. That’s pretty cool. I’m always in awe of how many people respond to photos, a lengthy post, or even a blog post—and reminded that I’m blessed.
Social media also allows us to create. I am thankful every single day for this blog. I’m thankful to have connected with various folks from all over the US (and the world) about something I’m super passionate about my husband, my kids, and Memphis.
Yesterday I was reminded of how fortunate I have been in my 38 years here on this earth. I saw messages from friends I haven’t seen in years, messages and notes from people who I’ve connected with through time at various jobs, friends I’ve met through teaching and attending conferences, friends from the travel softball circuit, friends from graduate school, people I have met through Sam and his family, and dear old friends from grade school—the life long friends. It really warmed my heart.
There have been ups and downs, good days, bad days, days where a blanket fort and coloring book sounded SO much better than being in an office or a classroom. There’s been heartache, heartbreak, and there’s been love and laughter.
Some people choose not to celebrate or remember birthdays for various reasons. I can understand that. Some people share a birthday, maybe with a child or family member, or heck, a celebrity. Every January 25th I remember turning 23, I was forever changed. That was the best year because I became a mom…and part of me always feels like that kid who turned 23 and became a mom all on the same morning.
Now, we have a driver—well, one with a permit in the house. Pray for us. Let me know if you can actually install that driver’s ed car brake in a nondriver’s ed car…I might be in the market for one.
Someone is super happy to have a permit…meanwhile, mom is trying not to hyperventilate.