Celebrating memories and making new ones - a blog for my birthday

I had a milestone birthday this month. At 46, I have outlived my mother, who we lost very early in life. With every passing birthday, I wonder what it would be to have her around today, and how life would be different with her in it. Although a mother is irreplaceable in pretty much every way, the people in my life have made it easier for me to navigate life with their love, kindness, generosity, and of course, their patience.

On this birthday, I am grateful for the people who have always held my hand, and nudged me along to make it possible for me to be where I am today.

I am grateful that I started my birthday month by visiting friends who I have known for more than 25 years. It helped that they presented me with birthday gifts - beautiful, practical, and small enough to fit in my bag. The origami flower didn't keep it's shape, but I am still keeping it.

I am grateful that I spent more time with my new friends from around the world before they made their journey back home.

I am grateful that I hugged the amazing woman who risked a lot to come here, and who does not know how she will get back to her home country. 

I am grateful that every year, thanks to the advances in technology, I am able to cherish birthday messages from family and friends around the world. Of course, I am grateful for my Smartphone that allowed me to multi-task between calls, text messages, Facebook, and Whatsapp so I didn't miss any birthday greetings.

Happy birthday to me!