It’s official … I turned 40
I suppose I’m no longer a young survivor, huh?
My family and friends threw me a huge celebration this year. My favorite place, my favorite people … it was a perfect evening.
I felt so blessed to be turning 40. I mean geesh, I almost didn’t make it there, ya know? So I really looked at this one differently than most of my friends. Instead of dreading getting older, I just kept thinking, imagine if I’d have waited until this year to get my first mammogram? Imagine? How much would my cancer have progressed in the last four years since I was first diagnosed?
I am so blessed.
Anyway, I share this with you all, not because I want to hear ‘Happy Birthday’ yet another time, but because I want to remind you all to celebrate your milestones the way you want — you are worthy of the best, most extraordinary affairs if that’s what is in your heart or the quietest, most intimate encounters if that’s your preference.
For me, there will never be another 40th birthday … and the celebration my friends and family threw in my honor was the exact one I’d previously imagined in my heart.
If you guys are reading (and you know who you are) … thank you!



September 21st, 2007 at 10:27 am
Karen,
Happy Birthday!! I know exactly what you mean. I just turned 38 over the summer and I just dont look at my birthday the same anymore. As I get older I am grateful to still be here! I no longer whine about my age, or gray hairs that are cropping up. Age has become a symbol of my survival.
Wishing you many more happy, healthy birthdays!!
September 21st, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Happy birthday Karen!! A milestone reached, and every one counts these days. We cherish them all so much more. Here’s to many more little and many huge milestones in the future!