Remembering That Every Day Is A Blessing
So yes it is that time of year again, it’s my birthday. But this year I am forty and I am really feeling it. I never pictured myself at forty and it is scary. I shyly look in the mirror and find a grey hair. It’s my first present of the day, how wonderful.
I think a cup of coffee will get me out of my slump but as I go down the stairs my joints are stiff. Wonderful, my second present, leg arthritis! This day is just getting better. What could go wrong next? I picture myself retiring all hunched over with a cane, this has to be happening at a rapid pace and faster than anyone else.
As I drop off the kids to school the rain begins to pour. Great, a perfect weather forecast to match my mood. When I get to work I realize I forgot my umbrella at home. Perfect, add it up to a bad hair day for my bad old birthday.
To go with my balloons is the proverbial over the hill cake to I dive into it with a big piece. Why not as my hips is now beginning to spread as I near death of fifty faster and faster. As I return to my office I just sit and stare at the black balloons and ponder what my headstone will say.
After lunch my phone rings and I look at the caller ID to see it is my best friend Lisa, who two years younger than me, is most likely going to in a loving way tease me about my age. But as I answer her call I sense something disturbing in her voice. She wishes me a happy birthday and that she is fine. But knowing her all too well I get her to tell me what is wrong.
She apologizes profusely and says she does not want to tell me this on my birthday. But then the tears start and she tells me she just got the news that she has breast cancer. As my heart sinks in my stomach I cry with her. I try to reassure her that everything is going to be okay and I will be there for her. I wish I could hug her through the phone and think to myself how I could be so selfish.
The burden I share with my friend makes me realize how fortunate I am. Sure I feel older but I can look forward to more years where she is doubtful of hers. How could I be so self absorbed and not see all the blessings around me that I have. I was too wrapped up in my own pity. So as I pull up the drive I thank God for the blessings I do have and squeeze my kids hard and thank the man above.