March 14, 2013

White Dog laid her head on my shoulder and put her paw on my hand. “Leave a Birthday message to the World, momma, share what is in your heart and on your mind.” So here it is…a love letter to you:

As most know, tomorrow, Friday, is my birthday. I was born in Chicago on March 15, 1957, the first of six girls; please do NOT tell me about Shakespeare’s erroneous “Ides of March”—I love the Bard but have been forever burdened explaining  his blunder.

I had the good fortune of an extended family, a great education and parents progressive enough to go along with the changing times and buy their baby girl woodworking tools, a chemistry set, and a costly set of encyclopedias when that was what was on my Christmas List.

Directed through training and life experiences to live with integrity and nobility, I still cry at injustice…and at the beauty of a human hand reaching out to another. I believe there is wonder in the world…and reason to hope…and infinite reasons to open your heart to give and receive love. I have learned these lessons not without pain, but have grown strong and resilient as a result of being tested.

I have been blessed with a life of miracles…the most amazing partner…Siku, Quinn, Nuka, Puff, YoYoMa and Oso individually and as the White Dog Army…Michael, a chance to take part in the incredible transformation through belief in another…a second chance after dying during congestive heart failure. And these are just the milestone miracles.

My life is full of loving caring genuine two- and four-legged people who aren’t afraid to make a difference. Or to be a true friend. I am grounded and encouraged, supported and challenged by honest loving friends whom I respect and who inspire me…and who expect no less of me than my best. Your standards cause me to reach for the stars and to get up instead of giving up.

To you all I am grateful, indebted and hold you as my most special miracles.

Tomorrow, as we celebrate (and I know we WILL celebrate, this is the WDA after all), know that I am honoring the friendships and influences that have gifted me with a life rich with all of the true treasures the Universe offers…

And that I am wishing each of you enough bounty always to share, a heart filled with so much love that it spills over on everyone in your world, and a soul that knows you have made a difference in a life…mine.

On this Thankful Thursday, my birthday wish to myself is a future as blessed as it is right now…and the insight to always appreciate it.

If only i knew then what I know now...no, not really!

One of my most incredible daily miracles...the love of my family.