When you are surrounded by the big love I’ve been gifted with, every birthday is an opportunity to shimmer and shine and reflect all that goodness right back. Cheers dear world! I am overwhelmed by your colorful surprises and chance encounters.

As I crest another year, I do indeed feel gratitude. What seemed like crazy decisions decades ago led me straight to this moment, and that in itself is extraordinary. I am not one to grant lip service to the divine but am cognizant of my privileges all the same. I am strong and healthy and still dare to dream for even more fabulous living.

My three children, who I count as my best decisions, keep me swimming in momma pride and bring me more love than I thought possible. Each of my kiddos is striving and creating and living with hope too, and that alone makes me feel good. Each is a kind and thoughtful human, doing their part to increase a sense of propitiousness for those around them. I have often remarked that it is not so hard to love one’s children, but to like them as adults is a lucky joy that I don’t take lightly.

Having the fortuity to call this woman mother for six decades cemented my sense of wellbeing. Please don’t mistake my easy positivity to suggest my life was an easy breeze, it wasn’t. Childhood was rocked by abuse and fear, adolescence lead me straight into danger and adversity, but the kicker is I survived. That alone armed me with the tenacity to continue to stand back up. I earned my happiness as did my mother and perhaps yours too. These women did not let life pass them over, instead they showed us how to fight and to forgive. They taught us to love fiercely and hold family dear. I am honored to carry my mother’s name within mine, knowing without a shadow of doubt that I made her proud. One can’t raise a glass or bring in a new year without remembering her enormous capacity to love, so you can bet we will be doing plenty of that by recalling our party girl on my day of birth.

Friendship is a brilliant gem which I adorn myself with. I am gladdened by the strong bonds I have forged on this spinning planet. It has truly been a wonderful life, made even more amazing thanks to so many of you who made me laugh as we hiked and biked, as we danced or worked, traveled far or stayed close, when we nursed our babies or fought through the latest loss. There is no way to name you all, but know I adore you. Although distance now separates me from many friends, let’s always find a way to share our lives. We are a tangled web and I have no intention of letting any of you go.

Of course, finding your person in the midst of one’s life is the very best gift of all. I did indeed find her despite the odds. How to thank someone for decades of caring and understanding and who still looks at you the same way as when you were both 30-something is impossible, and yet, I must because she is still here loving me. I am so grateful to wake each dawn with your smile my sweetheart. Here’s to the adventure ahead, the pastel sunsets and violet dawns. Come what may, for even the rocky parts are less daunting together.

Blessings have showered me with golden hues. As I ready to blow out my candles once more, I will wish for the best for you too. Sunbeams are here for all of us to light upon.