Birthday Wishes

Happy birthday to one of my favorite co-workers and one of the best cooks I’ve had the pleasure and honor to know. Happy birthday to her for hanging in when times are tough, for hanging in when some of these times present the most challenging of times, for hanging in with me when we work together and I may behave somewhat like a brat. That we share a birthday today makes it even more special. Happy birthday to one of the coolest, most interesting people I have ever known.

Happy birthday to all those close friends and relatives whose birthdays I have missed because I have been living “between lives.” I remembered each and every one of your birthdays even when I forgot to buy the cards, write on your Facebook wall, or call you. I have always held you in my heart, even when my disjointed self was elsewhere.

Happy birthday Patrick. Yeah, you. Do you know that I am always in awe of your writing, of your incredible all-around intelligence, of your job offer years ago that allowed me to change my life? Do you know how much of the best of all the rest I wish for you?

Happy birthday to my best sister-friend Susan in Montana for every single one of your birthdays. Tomorrow, I promise, promises to be the next better day for which we both have waited for many years. I am always there with you, holding your hand, walking with you, loving you as only a true sister can.

Happy birthday to my wonderful D.C. friend Laura, who must think I only think of her when I am in desperate need of my D.C. connection to all things left behind. Not so, my wonderful friend. I laugh with you when I think about our good, good times together, which means I laugh often.

Happy birthday to my Ohio pal Michael, who I often forget I met because of this blog, because he has become just that close of a friend to me and to all of my family. I may not call so much, I may not write much at all, but I hold you near and dear to my heart. You should know that, if you don’t already.

Happy birthday to my great friend Craig who is not a guy. 🙂 I have but to call you and hear your voice say, “Ah, sweetheart, how are you?” and I know what real friendship means.

Happy birthday to my first full-time D.C. editor boss Marian. Do you have any clue how much you taught me about writing, editing–everything in this business? We long ago parted ways as boss and employee, butwe kept a valued friendship for many years until I moved away. I miss you, and I never forget to thank you every time I write a single word.

Happy birthday to my oldest childhood friend, Rease. No one knows my day-to-day growing up better than you. Do you know how incredibly special that is? Thank you for all the calls you take when I am at my lowest. Thank you for talking me out of my lowest and showing me the highest.

Happy birthday to my old prep school roommate Beth. My God, how is it that we survived boarding school and kept a friendship so long into adulthood? How is it that I’d give just about anything to see you walk through the door of any of the bars at which I work and say, “What’s up?”

Happy birthday to my dear, dear friend Pam, who even now knows just what to say when, when it all seems upside down. If ever there was anyone I could wish mutual peace and happiness to, it is you. From my heart to yours, so much love.

Happy birthday to my great guy Andy. That you live with, put up with, and love this ever whirling hurricane never ceases to make me feel whole when I know I am not. Someday, I will let you will finally embrace the smiling, happy girl that dances and twirls just barely out of your reach.

Happy birthday to two of my sisters whom I thought were lost. Bobbe, my arms are not long enough, strong enough to hug you in the way you deserve. Know I am basking in the knowledge that we need never be apart again. Christy, I am here. I never left you. Please know that.

Happy birthday to my babies, whose birthdays are easily remembered as the the happiest days of my life. I am so sorry I upended our lives in recent years, and I am so proud of the incredible young adults you have become, despite it all. I hear people brag about their kids all the time. And all the time I think, yours don’t even come close to mine. Mine are perfect. And you always will be, to me.

Happy birthday to me, today, and to all those who mean the most to me. Without you, today is just another day. With all of you, today is so much better.