Not just another day

 Today's my birthday.  The day I officially turn 51 years old. And my automatic tendency is to downplay it - to make it just another day of getting up, going to work, and taking on whatever comes my way.  Well shame on me. Today is also the day after I learned of the death of a high school classmate who had fought a courageous battle with a cruel disease for as long as she possibly could.

 Robin's faith, positive attitude and optimism was and is an inspiration to all who knew her.  In recent years she fought hard for each and every day of her life and celebrated each one she was granted.  She fought to maintain the optimism that perhaps there would be yet another birthday for her. Sadly, she doesn't have the luxury of playing it cool on her next birthday. She doesn't have the option to downplay a day that should be celebrated.

 So today I'm going to honor Robin by going ahead and relishing the fact that I'm turning 51. I'm going to feel extra thankful for this day, and I hope, for many days to come that I might have otherwise taken for granted.  I think perhaps the finest gift I could receive today is the inspiration of my late friend and classmate which reminds me that each and every day is truly a gift to be cherished and experienced to the fullest, and yes on certain occasions,  celebrating that day, cake and all.