the birthday party
Remember
Sharing memories with loved ones brings us closer. Through both tears and laughter, we bond as family and friends.I offer gratitude for events that bring me closer to friends and family and for the new memories we are creating.
I appreciate all who are or have been a part of my life. Being in their presence, I have learned to live, laugh, and love.
I am grateful for the experience of knowing each and every one and for this opportunity to reflect upon them with gratitude and honor.
Adapted from dailyword.com May 26
Perhaps it was a month ago that I did not want to face the fact that I was going to turn 60. I dreaded the thought of anyone at work or in the community knowing this fact of my life. I had never before been bothered by my age so this came as a surprise to me.
I am not sure if it is my brush with mortality through the cancer diagnosis or just the number itself that created this edge of denial; however, I knew I had to address it straight forward. So I began to tell a few individuals at work. Then my family decided to have a celebration.
After the Race for the Cure on Saturday morning, we all headed over to my sister Susie’s house for the Big 60 Birthday Party. We were joined there by my Aunt Marge (who by the way is 88!!!!) She is a wonderful role model and inspiration. Also, joining my family were friends from Syracuse and Binghamton. It was a marvelous gathering of family and friends.
The deepest gratitude goes to my sister Susie for her hospitality. She really knows how to organize a great party. Her home is very welcoming and the food was spectacular. Everything was very relaxed and conducive to conversation even when the rain brought us all inside.
One of the sweetest moments was when the children gathered around me when I opened some presents. They handed me gifts and gazed on with wide eyes of surprise when I opened them. Later they asked for the gift bags and papers to have a pretend party for themselves. Their faces were precious and I will long remember them.
In my last entry about the Race for the Cure, I quoted a song by Tricia Walker. This song is dedicated to cancer patients and is sung at the opening of the Race for the Cure. I would like to quote the last verse as the closing to the posting. It speaks of the support and love of family and friends.
There’ll be moments of laughter
There’ll be moments of tears
And when you need a shoulder
I will always be here
We’ve been through this together
And now we can all say
We’re alive, we’re alive, we’re alive
What a wonderful day!
Letters 
I smile at the concept of turning 60 because in two years I will be there also. When the big 60 comes I would love to have a great party and maybe you will be able to set aside time to come to my party. I remember when 25 seemed old to me and now I laugh at that thought. On the day of your birth..even though I could not be with you..I celebrated your life. I am a better person because of the influences of my friends and you have been a part of that process. My heart is happy for you and I look forward to many more years of friendship with a very wonderful person!!
Hi Bonnie,
I have not heard from anyone about your operation so I am thankfull for your blog to keep me up to date. Am I correct that you will have surgery this week? Hope everything goes as expected!
It was great to see you at your birthday party .
Your attitude and management of the process you are going through is magnificent, but not surprising Bonnie,knowing you. You are a very special person.
With love and prayers,
Your brother Dick