The Markers Of Life

Birthdays are such a special time. A friend of mine was celebrating his this past weekend. Actually he started the celebration on Friday, and it was one happy event after another, ending in a gathering with good friends, good food, and party hats last night. A full weekend of marking his birth and his life.

I called and said, "Happy-happy," and he chuckled and said, "I am happy. Happy that I woke up today and can remember it's my birthday!"

When you turn 62, I guess you start to think about that. He mentioned that he now qualifies for a discount at the movies, too. In New York City, getting a discount on anything is something to celebrate.

Leroy and I used to have birthday weeks. It was our week to get special treats, pick favorite restaurants, or just remind each other that we were entitled to do whatever we wanted that particular week, whether we used the privilege or not.

Cancer didn't stop that, either. Not a chance.

It may have put a dent in how we celebrated. We weren't able to go out to our favorite restaurant, so we brought the restaurant to us.

For dessert, the cherished grocery store birthday cakes were the big finale. Candles marking the years of life well-lived and one extra, that always burned with wishes of good health and many more years of life. That was the most important candle of all.

No matter what side of cancer world you're in, birthdays need to be special. They are markers of life.

Party on!!

-- Laurie

9:29 AM ET | 10- 6-2008 | permalink

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