Happy Birthday to me

(See who else is Thankful today by clicking on picture above)

I am thankful that God has blessed me by showing me what his mercy and grace is all about. And giving me another year,a better year.

Last year, I turned 38 while sitting in a hospital bed, staring out the window at the grey sky, waiting to see if the medicine would work, and I might avoid surgery. It didn't. I couldn't.

I alternated between worrying about keeping my lousy job that I did not even want, and helping my husband who was already stretched too thin having to now take care of a very sick wife and his very sick father, who lived with us.

I turned 38. Had a hysterectomy. Stayed home. Lost the job. Buried my father in law.

The year went on. I thought I was going to have to sit on that couch forever, but I didn't. My life changed.

Today I turned 39. It was an exceptionally beautiful day- clear, bright blue sky, a little chilly- and I have never felt better.

This has been one of the happiest birthdays I can remember having. The early morning phone calls, the surprise flower delivery from a friend, the present from my boss, a big lunch with the office, a sweet gift from my sweet husband, chocolate cake, cards in the mailbox, e-mails and more phone calls, and God allowing me another year. In doing so, teaching me what his grace and mercy really mean.