48

We're headed to the beach for a long weekend. It's my birthday. My 48th birthday. It's me, Rusty and Hunter. As Hunter slept on the way we talked about our graduation beach trip and how it seems like just last week that we graduated high school. Now we're driving our granddaughter to the beach.
We couldn't be happier.

As we sit on the beach this Thursday evening the sun has set and the ocean breeze is stronger than usual and the waves are crashing with greater force. That familiar smell of the beach is in the air and I am flooded with sweet cherished memories. Hunter is dancing and twirling down the beach silhouetted in the darkness the further she goes.  We both watch her. We can't take our eyes off of her. Without words I know we are both thinking the same thing, how beautiful she is and how blessed we are to have her in our life. And we are. She has brought more joy and love to us than I ever could have imagined.
 
As I celebrate my birthday this year I am reminded of everything I have to be grateful for. I have a great life. I love and I am loved and that is the greatest gift of all. I pledge to be thankful for every birthday. Thankful that I had another year to live and share life with my family and friends.  I hope you will pledge the same.

Happy Birthday to me.  And many more.