Reflecting on the last 28 years of life. A letter of gratitude.

Birthdays, the day of the year everyone celebrates you…or as I found out yesterday, National Puppy Day or National Chips and Dip Day. (Seriously. I had no idea, though I did some research and National Puppy Day started 10 years ago, and I’m pretty sure Tostito’s just made up Nat’l Chip and Dip Day). I’m not complaining. In fact if my birthday went by as barely a blip on peoples radar, I’d probably be okay with that.

She says wistfully, though fully realizes that to make this more achievable she’d have to take it off of Facebook.

2015 has been a busy year, I don’t know where the month of February even went, I can look at my calendar and see I did stuff, but I don’t think I ever registered it was February and now here we are bringing March to a close with April sneaking up quickly.

2014 was a year of surprises and new adventures, I received a grant that has allowed me to continue my education in hopes of a master’s degree, I got to spend 6 weeks in Boston and explore the historic city with the knowledge that I get to do it all over again this summer. I got to celebrate the weddings of good friends, and see others welcome beautiful children into their lives. I was asked to be a bridesmaid, and will soon have a sister who is kind, funny, gracious, and brings out the best in a brother I love most dearly. And there is so much more that took place in my 28th year, those are just some of the highlights.

I have a pretty good memory. I’m not trying to brag, its more just a statement of truth. I remember a lot if not all of my birthdays. For most of my life, my birthday seems to come and go, during my schooling years this was because my birthday was almost always during spring break, I have no complaints, just an understanding and desire for quiet birthdays. Yet as the day came to an end yesterday, I found myself reflecting on the ones that truly stand out.

My fifth birthday, when a friend made me a shirt with puff paint that said Princess Kelly. Yes I still have it. It’s hanging on the wall in my bedroom at my parent’s house.

My eighth birthday, when my mom and dad pulled off a pretty incredible surprise party.

My 10th birthday, when my parents wouldn’t let me open any gifts until 8:30pm because that was my time of birth.

My 14th birthday, the birthday of all the LipSmackers and lip gloss.

My 16th birthday, when I made my own Batman cake and watched the Oscars. And yes the Oscars used to happen in March. I’m not making that up. It didn’t move to February until my senior year of high school.

My 17th birthday, when my teacher made me grilled cheese sandwiches in class.

My 20th birthday, when my friends pulled off an epic surprise dance party.

My 21st birthday, on Easter Sunday (and all the continued/belated celebrations of the following week).

My 26th & 27th birthdays, spent in Butte, MT with a 100 high school youth working their butts off for their Diocesan Convention…

And lastly my 28th birthday, where I was supported and loved by family and friends around the world. Where I was flooded with good wishes, laughter, hugs, and prayers.

Yesterday was my birthday, and to be perfectly honest it was a rough day. In the midst of all the Facebook post and texts wishing me a perfect day, I was dealing the the possibility of loss. Sadness threatened to overwhelm, but thankfully happiness and peace won out and for that I cannot truly express my gratitude in words, but I’m going to try.

My day started off pretty normal…I woke up at about 7:30, not to my alarm, but to the sound of notifications and texts…ahh yes, it must be my birthday. My mom called from Nashville we chatted about the ordinary day that I would have, and she reminded me that she would be heading to St. Louis the following day to spend some time with her mom who has been in the hospital for a while. I told her I’d continue to pray from Grandma and that all would go well. The day started, I went to work, no staff meetings (Reconciliation day) and all was good. Later in the day I talked to my Dad who told me that his mom had had a stroke the night before, and to please pray for her. In need of lightening the conversation we then laughed about my abysmal NCAA bracket. After the call with my dad, and the earlier conversation with my mom, I just needed to be alone. Needless to say I was feeling pretty blue, after a text exchange with a friend, a Facebook post asking for prayers, I received a Facebook message from a former youth who is studying abroad in Rome this year. She sent me a picture (above) and message…

“Hey Kelly! Lit a candle for you at Notre Dame today, I hope you have a wonderful birthday! Thank you for your friendship and guidance throughout the years…”

The message went on, but how can you be upset after a moment like that? I talked to both brothers for 49 minutes each. I swear that wasn’t planned, it just happened. I was sang to over the phone by five beautiful girls. I was sent Jack Handy Quotes, and Snapchat videos, and at the end of it all, as my younger brother said so confidently, “I know it’s been rough, but you’re a good person and today is your birthday, so nothing bad will happen, not today, it just won’t. Got it.”

Got it.

I know I said that I’d be good if the day passed like any other and it’s not that I can’t take a compliment or don’t want the attention, it’s just that I find it hard to have all the focus on me. But I’m changing my mind, because I got the best birthday gift a person could ask for. Love.

The biggest gift of having a birthday is the love that is poured out upon you, and I want to thank you all personally, and on a much larger platform for your friendship, love, and joy.

I am blessed beyond measure by my friends and family, and have decided that my 29th year will be one of gratitude for all of you, and the blessings in my life.

It’s on the internet now, so you can totally hold me to that.

Also I should point out that Mark called me first, but that Chris was the first in the family to officially wish me happy birthday with a text at 6:30am. (It’s always a competition between them but they’re both okay…or best, I guess they can both be the best).

UPDATE

Heard this morning that Grandma Jane (my Dad’s mom) is up talking and doing well! Continued prayers and support would be appreciated. But sooooooooooo grateful for all your good thoughts and prayers!