3.14.2013

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.

16 comments:

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Wishes today for a very happy birthday tomorrow to one very special lady!

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

rottrover said...

Have a wonderful day! And hey, you get back what you put out there - honesty, integrety, loyalty, friendship.

All the best!

The RottRovers

Jo's World said...

Happy Birthday, Sue! It would be nice to see the six sisters, but that cute little girl in the sunbonnet is a treat too. You are an amazing person and one I admire. You give your best to your world and whoops! it comes right back to you.

Love and hugs,
Jo, Stella and Zkhat

KB said...

Happy Birthday! The world is lucky to have you, so full of hope and optimism. I hope that you have a wonderful day tomorrow.

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Happy Birthday to you. Bet that White Dog Army has a great day planned. We love your positive, uplifting writings and always enjoy your posts. Thanks for sharing your family and yourself with us and for becoming a friend. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)

GOOSE said...

Happy Happy Birthday. You are such a beautiful soul and I wish all the VERY best for you.
Blessings,
goose

ZOOLATRY said...

A beautiful letter ... wishing you a most Happy Birthday, Sue.
Fondly,
Ann, Maggy and Zoey

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Happy Birthday dear friend!

The Daily Pip said...

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by all you love! Many blessings!

xoxox, Pip & Kristin

Brian's Home Blog said...

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to you! We are thrilled to share your special day with you!

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Happy Birthday lovely lady. We wish you love and happiness and a day filled with lots nice things. We actually were directed to your blog from another friend when you were in hospital and very ill with your heart. what a lot of friendship and shared events have happened since then. A great pleasure to know you and all the family.. Happy Birthday Hugs GJ, Carol and Barrie x

Random Felines said...

HAPPY HAPPY Birthday!!!! We are very pleased to call you our friend - and we wish you every wonderful thing possible on this day. :)

Little Reufus said...

Whee recognize the erroniousnesses ob the Ides... butt whee celebrate them any way, so Habby Birfday! Habby Ides! Whee lubbs yeu bucket loads and are fankful ebbery single day fur yeur friendshib and subbort!

eudles ob lubbs from Little Reufus and The Mom

The Slimmer Pugs, Kitties, and Mama said...

Happy Birthda Susan!!
Much Love,
Mama Mindy & The Slimmer Puggums
George, Gracie, Toby, Lily, & Mimi

View From My Pram said...

PepiSmartDog:
What an inspiring story of courage and love. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! *tosses pawfuls of #Mansequins over you and your white dog army*
Sorry my comment is late, but I'm here now. : =o)
Thank you for joining Thankful Thursday Blog Hop - always appreciate you joining our fun. Look forward to reading more of your posts.
*waves paw* :=o)

View From My Pram said...

PepiSmartDog:
What an inspiring story of courage and love. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! *tosses pawfuls of #Mansequins over you and your white dog army*
Sorry my comment is late, but I'm here now. : =o)
Thank you for joining Thankful Thursday Blog Hop - always appreciate you joining our fun. Look forward to reading more of your posts.
*waves paw* :=o)