I just wanted to share a short perspective that I have noticed over the years....

It's my birthday tomorrow and though I am not that old. I am getting older. I have noticed things in me that are mature and some not...

I remember when birthday parties were the trend for birthdays and of course cake and ice cream. I remember party hats and silly string (not sure what year that came to be).....I remember receiving a card in the mail from Nana with $5 dollars in it. (A lot then). Now she is gone. I remember counting down the calendar until my birthday. It was so exciting to be another year older. Another year closer to being 16 so I could drive or 18 so I could be an adult (at least legally). And another year closer to being 21 so I could drink (at least legally). 22 so I could be done with college and maybe 24 so I could be married. 26 so I could finally be a mother. Birthdays were a big deal then.

Now, there is no trend to have a birthday party. I'm very happy to just get a phone call from someone on my birthday or any other day for that matter. A card is not even expected now. Of course not from Nana (God bless her beautiful soul). I'm so thankful to have just another day much less another year. I don't count down my calendar anymore. (that got old after 21). I'm thankful that I am healthy every day much less another year. I'm thankful to go out to lunch or dinner with a friend occasionally. I'm thankful that I still have a good mind to remember those birthday parties....

I'm now thankful for such the smallest things. I think I am getting older. The leaves are changing and there are pumpkins at the stores. There is a Fall smell in the air and the kids are back in school. Ah......that's right it's time for another birthday.