Birthday 49

Birthday 49 won't go down in history as a great birthday. I do feel very blessed to be alive and have a wonderful ever growing circle of family and friends. Many years ago, (when a mother of small children) I kept finding my birthdays disappointing so I decided I would start a new tradition and spend the day in the temple.. It got me out of the house, included an inexpensive meal in the cafeteria, and brought the sweet spirit and guidance from Heavenly Father. It was a great way to celebrate being alive. This year I am unable to carry on that tradition....So I taught or tried to teach my 3&4 years Sunbeams in Church. and made sure Pad Thai lunch was ready when my tired Branch President husband walked in the door, and was patient with my sleep deprived Prom Princess, who wanted to upload her Prom photos rather than cook lunch for Mom...
And then started my fast for my charming, talented, genius, loving, funny, gorgeous, incredible brother. I felt really hungry and my head throbbed but I count it a simple sacrifice for someone who means the world to me. Mark has been so healthy and active all his life that to think of him unable to ride his bike,ski or hike saddens me deeply. We pray that the doctors will heal his heart. I want to spend my retirement years near him and Leisa and my children.

I also spent time remembering my 22nd Birthday. The night Dean proposed to me. And we began to plan our eternity together. I feel very grateful that he chose me to share his life with. I love him and though we are living a life I never wanted, living in a place I never even wished to visit. I know he is doing incredible things and serving our country in important ways. He is a great Branch President and worthy influence of many. And so I am content, praying for future years with my family; for years of health and well being.