Big Birthday

I celebrated a milestone last week - my 50th birthday!  I suppose a lot of women have a problem with that, but not me.  I feel very proud to have lived a half century and survived.  And I have to say that my friends and family could not have made me feel more loved.  

First, they threw a Surprise party for me a few weeks before the actual day, which was perfect because it truly shocked me!  Ed told me we were going to take photos at a Chamber of Commerce event at his daughter's salon, and then we'd go out to dinner to celebrate an early Valentines.  I believed him.  I was completely shocked and not a little bit dumbfounded when we arrived and I walked in.  I walked right back out - a reaction of trying to process it I suppose.  They thought it was hilarious.  Many of my co-workers attended as did friends and family.  It was just wonderful.  Our good friend, Ed Felker, designed the cake and it was spectacular.

Amazing, huh?

My best friend of 28 or so years, Phyllis, made wine labels for me and ordered personalized M&M that had photographs of me as a baby and as a 20 year old woman.  

On my actual Birthday, I awoke to find two dozen red roses and a pearl necklace from my sweet, sweet husband.  I was really surprised!  I arrived at the office to find my desk completely covered with decorations and balloons and gifts.  There wasn't even room to sit down.  My co-workers bestowed upon me an "Over the Hill" tiara, a "Ms. Over the Hill" pageant type sash, and a button, which said party animal.  I wore all three from the time I opened them that morning until I went to bed.  I just loved it!  

How great is that?

There were other gifts, some of which I could not wear all day:

I'll keep them on my desk, just in case.

My parents sent me a beautiful spring bouquet with balloons, I received flowers, jewelry, clothes, gag gifts, a basket of gourmet kitchen goodies, a great cookbook, a gorgeous Brighton watch, wine, money, perfume, gift certificates, tons of cards...I was overwhelmed!

That evening Ed had asked if I wanted to go out to dinner.  I said I would prefer Domino's pizza and to see my grandchildren and kids.  Three of the five kids made it over and three of the four grandkids did too and we had a really nice evening.  

It was just unbelievable and I could not have had a better birthday.

I've said it before and I'll say it again:  If I had known turning 50 was this much fun, I would have done it years and years ago! 

Thank you to everyone, and I mean it as sincerely as I could possibly be.  

You made an old lady feel very, very loved!

I am so grateful and I would not trade being 25 again for anything.