It is with great happiness that last week I turned 38 years old.  I know that some people do not get that privilege so I am grateful.  Life has been so good to me.  I have all that I could ever want and more. I have family, friends, a great career, and most of all, a marriage that I treasure each and every day.  My husband Ian is my rock and my love forever and ever.

As I read all of your Facebook birthday wishes last week, I realized just how lucky I am.  I have so many friends from childhood all the way to friends that I’ve made in the past couple of years.  I love all of you and I feel blessed to have you in my life.

I found the following poem by Henry David Thoreau that I thought was just perfect to top off my birthday celebrations.

To Have Succeeded

“To laugh often and much.
To win the respect of smart people,
And the affection of children,
To earn the approval of honest critics,
And face the betrayal of false friends,
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch,
Or a redeemed social condition,
To know one life has breathed easier,
Because you have lived,
This is to have succeeded.”