Even though I have been living in Louisiana four years, this year was the first time I spent my birthday in Louisiana and only the second time I spent it in the USA. Before I ever spent my birthday in the USA, I previously had a birthday in Ukraine and another one in the Philippines.
Although I would have loved to be with my parents in Smithers for my birthday - especially because I got to share my birthday with Father's Day - I had a blessed birthday.
After waiting until my birthday, I was able to open my cards and gifts from my parents and sister. They had arrived in the mail early, but I saved them to make my birthday morning special. I am not sure when the tradition of birthday gifts at breakfast time started, but it is something I remember from childhood, so I continued the tradition.
Yesterday morning a few of my friends at church remembered my birthday, and they went on to remind others. My good friends Catherine and Alyshia brought a card to church and then passed it around during Sunday School and many people from church signed it. That was very special, especially knowing that I will be moving from Louisiana in a few weeks. Catherine also made me lemon bars, knowing that I often have lemon meringue pie for my birthday. Alyhsia made sure I had a birthday candle for the lemon bars.
For my birthday lunch, I was treated to a delicious meal downstairs with the Sonbuchners. The meal was a combination Father's Day/Birthday meal. It was great to be included in the family, and I ate very well. Thanks for cooking Jon! In addition to lunch, the Sonbuchners also gave me a beautiful card and gift.
I also got phone calls during the afternoon from different members of my family. I spent the afternoon relaxing and reading a book in addition to visiting with different family and friends.
I even got to spread my birthday out into today. Abby made me a special birthday gift yesterday afternoon and it cooled through the night, so we ate it today. Here we are with my birthday gift - white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. Abby happens to know that I love cheesecake - so does she - and she spoiled me with cheesecake for my birthday. It was delicious!
I have received additional birthday greetings today. One friend at school asked me how my birthday was and told me she had been praying that I would have a special day. She was so sweet, and her prayers such a blessing. Other people remembered as well, people I wouldn't necessarily think would remember, so that has been neat.
At the beginning and end of my birthday, I simply thanked God for the gift of another year of life. I am so blessed by him, which was displayed in many ways simply on my birthday in addition to throughout the year. I am thankful to all of you who blessed me on my birthday, and I am thankful to God that I get to have you in my life.
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