SURROUNDED BY LOVE

A few days ago I turned 44. And for some a birthday is just another day. But I have the priviledge of having friends and family who genuinely love me and care for me. And that means cake and presents. On Sunday Judy baked me my favorite cake: white with peanut butter frosting. It was absolutely delicious, and more than that, it was thoughtful as heck. Nothing says, 'I love you,' better than peanut butter in a cake. Thanks with all my heart, Jude. I got a few books, and my sister and my brother (who hardly calls anyone) called to wish me a happy day. And my parents took me to Olive Garden. So all around it was a pretty great occasion. It served to take the edge off of any mid-life difficulty I might be having.

Its wonderful to be loved, even without the presents and the cake and the birthday dinner. To be connected to people on an even level, and to learn to appreciate who they are is the greatest gift anyone can ever receieve.