Happy Birthday to me......

In the quest of eternal youth, everyone takes their birthdate to try and recapture some of the past that has been lost. I am no different.

Sweet memories of home made birthday cakes with the store made candy letters. Taking cupcakes to school to share with everyone.
Re-wrapped toys and items from my brothers and sisters as "new" gifts.
Grandma's card with the trusty, "I can't believe I have" five whole dollars for myself!
Hugs and kisses from Mom.....



Gone forever. Nothing left but the memories.

I want to take this time to reflect on the last month. No, the last 6 months of my life.

I have stated many times that I can't believe my life.
I have no choice BUT to believe it.

I have so many people to thank. So many people that I love. So many people who love me. I am truly blessed. Here is just a "few" words on the many loves in my life!

I keep going back to a conversation with Joe and Laura about my fears and concerns of living in the past. My fear of losing my past, having lost my mother, having been distanced from my siblings, the re-growth of Rodney....



The quiet, inner strength Joe and Laura have installed in me over the last 6 months is perhaps the best present I have ever received. They have allowed me to blossom. They have allowed me to fall on my face. They have been there to bolster, and keep me going. It is perhaps one of the most selfless acts of kindness I have ever encountered.

I cannot forget John. He has been there, through the muddiest and the deepest, despair in my life. His strength, along with Roger's, his "neediness", has ushered me through the next door in my life. He has taught me to accept changes, and to work through my past issues........










Uncle Edward. What can I say?
Your unflinching optimism and frank, truthful observations have kept me afloat. I cannot tell you the amount of times your "bluntness" about reality and life have confirmed many things I would have been to afraid to say. (That says a lot! You know I have a big mouth!.......





Rick. Your support, belief and trust in me have helped me regain my belief that I can actually contribute to society. You, singlehandlely, took an ex-convict and gave him a chance. Our, relationship, is truly one of a kind......

My surrogate parents Wayne and Trina. My only real connection to Ste. Genevieve. Through thick and thin, no judgement.......just love......




All my "new" friends...



You have healed, and are healing, a broken spirit and heart. The insight and "allowing" of me-to be me-is incredible.....








I am very greedy. I am very vain. I am very FORTUNATE! I have more riches than Solomon during his reign!

Thank you everyone! Thank you for the best birthday of my life!