Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Turning



I did it....

I turned 40....

And apparently my mouth grew 10 times its size. Look at that mug! Clearly I'm having a good time; surrounded by my tribe, embraced by the people I love.

I danced out on the floor to I Will Survive with my friend Heather. Heather is a stage 4 breast cancer survivor. Out of the blue, I kissed her cheek (wine makes me kissy) and grabbed her hand....

"Heather," I said, "we will survive, we will, we have to."


We looked into each other's eyes and gave a knowing look....one a mother without her child and one a mother facing a horrible disease. We have to survive.

And then we kept dancing...

I will survive
as long as i know how to love
I know I will stay alive
I've got all my life to live
I've got all my love to give
and I'll survive
I will survive


Maybe this is why ancient tribes gathered together to dance, to leap in the air, to feel alive, to feel their heart beating, to forget that tomorrow they might be eaten by a lion, to celebrate.

I need to go out dancing more often.

The candles were lit on my beautiful, 4 tiered chocolate cake made by my lovely friend Charise. As happy birthday was sung, I kissed my husband, "I don't know what to wish for," I said.

"Wish for a happy life," He said. I looked at my tribe, gathered around us, cheering us on through thick and thin, holding us up so many times I feel like I'm walking on air.

"I already have one."

40....bring it.

9 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Happy Birthday! What a beautiful group of women --

Deana said...

Love that mug! Happy birthday week!

Chuck Woodford said...

And then Heather unhinged her jaw and lovingly swallowed all of her friends whole. Happy Birthday Hank. And welcome to your 40s. Nice to have you along for the ride.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthay!!! Samantha's mom.
Chile!!

Anonymous said...

Happy, happy, happy birthday!
Hilje

The Henrys said...

I'm glad you had such a wonderful time with your friends. Happy Birthday!!

Heather said...

Didn't I also feel you up, multiple times? WHAT A PARTY!!! I'm so glad you're alive, that we share a soul heartbeat, and that you're surviving with the grace and raw honesty fitting of the tragedy you've undergone. It's my complete and utter honor to be called your friend. Love you so.

Rena said...

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!! And welcome to the club. 40 really is an amazing time of life.

Amanda Jaksha said...

It was great...and that cake was delicious!

Trauma should be the hall pass to life's other issues. Someone should tell the hall monitor

I posted something cryptic on Facebook Saturday. It caught a lot of attention from my tribe but it really wasn’t a big deal…. nothing ...