Let's Celebrate!

Do you know what a genuine birthday celebration can do for your soul? It breathes life into the dry cracks of your bones. It sings gratitude over your heart. It claims a sweet victory over a life you have no control over. It whispers a sweet reminder that you are loved, cherished and given great purpose. It shouts a sweet promise that you were gifted another year to make a difference.

My beautiful mom turned 52 on Monday...a triumph in so many ways! We celebrated with a girl's day out; manicures and pedicures- a decadent lunch, shopping for new shoes and a quaint family dinner. We spent each moment soaking in the day, creating new memories and re-living old dreams.

I sat in awe at the miracle of the night as we sat outside beneath the string of vintage lights. The smell of wood-fired pizza, hazelnut and caramel lattes encompassed our senses. The laughter of a two year old boy filled our ears with joy.

I am slightly ashamed to say that two years ago I never imagined that we would be celebrating in this manner. I never thought that my mom would be walking to her place at the table or that she would be able to eat a bowl of minestrone soup. I fell victim to the statistics and predictions of the medical community. I doubted the tenacity of my mom and the powerful miracles that were stringing themselves together beyond what I could see. I am so thankful that when it feels like you are falling over the edge there is always reason to celebrate. I know that in my doubt and anger there is grace. I also know that no matter the circumstances- a birthday is always worth celebrating!

In the future our celebrations may look different but they will always mean the same thing- a gift, a promise of hope and a breath of life.