Today I am 30 years old. I am grateful for every single one of them. Numbers don’t usually mean too much to me (I prefer words!), but I will happily take the opportunity for reflection they provide. What this day really makes me think of is my sweet, sweet parents, who have loved me with their whole hearts every day of my life. I think of them holding me in their arms, 30 years ago. I think of them taking me home, where my thirteen-month-old brother was waiting for me, and I think about all the laughter and games and tears and meals we shared in those years, only magnified when my little brother joined the party five years later. I think about how hard my parents worked to make a happy home for us, and how they taught me everything I know about caring for other people. What a gift it is to know such love.
I think too of the last decade, since it’s the closest at hand. I think of all the incredible things that happened in those years. I graduated college. I interned at the Dostoevsky Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. I moved to California. I stumbled upon the most wonderful and hilarious friends in the world. I earned my Masters degree. I met an amazing man and fell in love with him. I married him. I earned my PhD. Wow, 20s, you were awesome. I’m grateful. So very grateful. But I don’t regret leaving you behind. 30s, I have no idea what kind of adventures you have in store for me. But I’m excited for the ride.
Happy Birthday. Have a great day Petal. If you want tea later just text me.
Thank you, love!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It’ll be hard for you to top your 20s, but if anyone can do it, it will be you. Love you like crazy!
Love you too! It was so great talking to you! Cannot wait to see you soon, Besfrinn
Happy Birthday, Cameron! Your reflections are so inspiring, as always. Welcome to an another awesome decade of your amazingly beautiful life!
Thank you so much, Moriah! I feel the same way about you! And I just discovered your secret hand in my birthday gift: thank you! I love them!
Happy Birthday My Sweet Friend! Your 30′s are going to be amazing!!
Enjoy your day:)
Thank you so much!
I said it once, but why not again? Happy, happy birthday, dear friend! And, oh my gosh, you’ve made 30 sound more appealing than ever. How many months until May, when I’ll officially qualify for the the fun and free club?
x
Thank you so much! And I can’t wait for you to join this club either! We will have so much fun
What a wonderful gift it is for a father to have a daughter like you. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the treasure of a little family I would have one day. Now made even larger with the addition of ones you and your brother love so dearly.
Thank you, Daddy! When I was writing this post I felt so overwhelmed by love and gratitude. There are so many gifts in my life that I cannot even begin to wrap my head around, and you are one of the first and foremost. I so loved talking to you today. See you in a few short months!
As you know, I thought about you all day long on your birthday, reliving the day your sweet self joined us! I’m thankful for the memories. May your 30s be just as momentous as your 20s!
Thank you! Love you so much!
Charming…I read it somewhere recently, if you want more be grateful for what you have
Happy belated b’day!
I think that is definitely true! Thanks for the birthday wishes!