My Start

October 16, REO Speedwagon was playing a concert a few hours away from the tiny town called Hell. That same day, a young girl sat under a tree, with a baby in her belly, furious she was not allowed to attend the concert she so desperately wanted to see for HER birthday. The young, soon-to-be first time mother was not happy, she turned to a bottle of alcohol and some prescription drugs to numb her pain, not realizing what was happening.

The morning came and with it so did her regularly scheduled doctors appointment. The girl, who was only a child, was intent on celebrating that day, her day...the day she had celebrated so many years before, as it was the day she was born, met the doctor eagerly wanting only to be done and to arrive at her own party.

She was told there would be no party, she was having a baby today and she would not be leaving. Disbelief filled the girls head as the dr explained she had been in labor for some time, but the previous cocktail of 'mood enhancers' had slowed the process. Soon the hospital was abuzz with the girls friends all excited and waiting to meet the newest addition to the group. Finally, just before the day was thru, a tiny bundle of pink met the world and the celebration began as both mother and daughter were joined on the same day.

There was much love that day and many days since then. I've been blessed by a very full life in such a short existance. Never fully grateful for the beginning I was given, but as I look into the faces of my own children - I know how much was given of that young girl that day and despite all that happened after that point, I'm here because of her.

So today is my day, but I also share my humble start with the woman who gave me life -
Happy Birthday!

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, your body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming,
"Woo hoo! What a ride!"