Forty Four

Today marks my forty fourth year of life. It's hard for me to believe that I'm in my mid-forties. It seems like just yesterday I was graduating from high school, going to college, starting law school, getting married, and having babies. But it wasn't yesterday. Those things happened many years ago and a lot of "life" has happened since.

One thing I can say about my most recent experience with a potentially life-threatening illness is that it has drastically changed my outlook on birthdays and getting older. It wasn't but a few months ago that I was really starting to fret about the lines around my eyes and about my impending "mid-forties" birthday. Not now, though. Quite to the contrary, in fact: I can hardly think of anything better than turning 44, expect, perhaps, for turning 45, 55, 65, 75, and if I'm really blessed, maybe even 85 and 95. Getting older is now something I view as a pure gift, and I am beyond grateful for this changed perspective.

It's a busy day at the Richardson household. Eli and Wes have gone to the Vandy/FL game and then Wes will go to a recording session this afternoon. Virginia has two performances of Les Mis today, and I will go to both of them. There will be no party for me today, no hoop-la, no fanfare. Just another day in our little family's life. If you had asked me what I wanted for my birthday last weekend though, before this past Monday's surgery, this is exactly what I would have asked for: just a normal day with my family. After so many days filled with fear and uncertainty, normal is beyond wonderful, and something for which I am extremely grateful.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Erin