Saturday, October 13, 2007

My First Birthday Party


I know a woman should not tell her age, but for some reason this has never really bothered me. So, I will tell you about my 50th birthday.

A week ago Friday, two days before my “official” birthday, it started as just an ordinary day. I arrived at school a little early and began my normal routine. My principal acknowledged my birthday on the morning announcements, which made me smile. I had a couple “Happy Birthday” wishes but no hints of how the day would unfold.

By 3:00 I was ready to call it a day and start the weekend. A couple teacher friends at school asked me to join them at Starbuck’s to chat, as we have done several times before on other Fridays.

At 4:00 my cell phone rang and my daughter, Amy, asked me to come home because Grandma needed her medicine and was hungry. I left Starbuck’s and drove straight home.

When I pulled up the street I saw many of my favorite people walking out of my garage to wish me a Happy Birthday. This was a total surprise to me! I can't say how shaken and deeply moved I was. I had never had anyone celebrate my birthday with such a party as this! And, what a pleasure to have even more friends and relatives arrive throughout the day.

I cannot adequately thank all of my dear friends and family that made my day perfect.

Tricia and Amy, thank you for organizing and pulling off this wonderful surprise party! Kevin, the food was excellent, thanks for taking care of it! Thank you Jimmy for graciously providing the funds for my party. You guys from school and CO, I need to watch you all - you guys are too good (and sneaky) about keeping a secret from me! Thank you for sharing this day with me! Betsy, Mary Jo and Tami - thank you - you know you are like family to me. Mary, thank you for always being there for me - good times and the not-so-good times, you are my adopted sister. Al, my one soul mate, thank you for a shoulder to lean on and an ear to bend, but most of all, for a heart that has never stopped caring for the last 24 years. Susie, my dear friend of 44 years, you mean the world to me - I didn't want you and Mark to leave. To all of the members of my dear family - thank you for putting up with me - I love you with all of my heart.

Each and every one of you have all added so much joy to my life. Regardless of whether you have been with me for all of these eventful 50 years, or if only on part of this journey, know that all of you have played such a significant part of my life. You are my blessings.

Thank you all for the wonderful gifts, and a day that I will always treasure. Most importantly, thank you for your gift of love and friendship. May we all enjoy many more happy days together.

With Love,
Ruthie

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