It's My Birthday

Today is my birthday.

I am celebrating me.

That sounds so selfish, but I'm indulging myself. I'm doing what I want to do. I am enjoying every single one of the Facebook wall posts from people who only know it's my birthday because it came up on their news feed page.

It's 11AM and I am still in my pajamas, reclining in my bed, moving music from my computer to the iPad, reading, feeling the luxury of not having to do anything today unless I want to do it.

When people have wished me "happy birthday" in person, I have replied, "Thanks! You can get me a present if you want!"

My husband wrote me a two-page letter and left it for me. I'm a words girl, so that (and the fact that he turned off my alarm and let me sleep through the early morning get-up-for-school routine is a great gift) (although he lets me sleep in a few days a week) (which is like an ongoing birthday gift) (he's awesome).

Where was I?

Oh, the birthday letter. Love it. My brother and sister-in-law sent a great card with a gift card for yummy food.

Most interesting to me today: phone calls from my mom, my uncle Dave and my brother. These are people who have known me my entire life.

I'm just stuck there today. These people, among others in my family, have known me through every stage of who I am have been. Things that I have forgotten, they remember. In my very late 40's, trying to figure out what it means to be me in this season of life, my mom and my uncle and my brother know who I have always been.

And they called me today to remind me that they loved me, and that they thought I was cool (my interpretation, anyway). And I am taking that one step further to count on the fact that they'll stick with me, whatever comes.

At this point in the game, that's a pretty powerful thing. It's steadying and sure and it grounds me.

On this day - my birthday - I wish this for you: Remember who you are in the eyes of somebody who has known you forever, who is still rooting for you. And think about how powerful your support is to someone who you have known for all their days. Maybe let them know that you think they are pretty cool today, even if it isn't their birthday. Send them a message, pick up the phone.

Share the love.

And you can get me a present, if you want.

Me, as I am: un-adorned, un-washed, un-combed. Feels pretty good.