When I was little, I couldn’t wait until my birthday rolled around. It meant cake and ice cream and presents. I have pictures of different birthday parties. They were always a joyous event. Over the years, my desire for the cake and ice cream has just about gone away. I still like to get presents, but at different times of the year. I still like being recognized as the birthday boy. But I yearn for the joy of the event. It has become all most matter of fact. I enjoy more going to a young person’s birthday party than counting my own. I am more aware of how time has creeped up on me. Also, I am more aware that most of my birthday parties are behind me. I am grateful for all the time that I have had to watch my family grow up. And wish for the patter of little feet running down the hallway. My day is planned out. I work this morning. Then we, my family and I, will go to a Christmas play. After that they will take me out to eat at a fine restaurant. I not sure how men and women made it to 500 years old. How they keep the joy of life all that time? One man lived to 932 years. I know that I am closer to going home to heaven. I am excited about that. That joy excites me more than anything else. But it is a mixed blessing. When I finish my time here on earth, I will have to leave my family and friends. You see today is my birthday. And I am another year older. Feliz navidad.
Joseph1637/Crain Blanchard 