TODAY, as I turn 55, sappy and sentimental as ever—I’d like to say thank you.
Thank you for the introduction to the Fitbit. It ushered my return to the fitness journey. I can’t always get in 10,000 steps a day but sometimes, I get lucky. Sometimes, I actually overachieve!
Thank you for the Kindle. I know you know I can get my own Kindle. But it’s so much nicer when someone gets you something you can get yourself but didn’t. I almost cried.
Thank you for the Nespresso guide. I was sort of blown away when I received it. The lamination was a nice touch. You know me so well. I was giddy when I saw it.
Thanks for getting me back on the gym, for reminding me to eat healthy, to sleep early and to stop working, for telling me to slow down, to hang on, to not carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, for reminding me always that I am not alone.
When I felt like giving up, you said, “Don’t.” That day, you saved my life. Thank you.
At one of the lowest points in my life, you only said four words to me, “This too will pass.” And you were right—it did. And what an amazing life I had in the aftermath.
For remembering the stuff I love to eat, hunting down the books I obsess about and getting me the stuff I need but won’t buy because I want to spend my money on airline tickets and adventures—thank you.
Can I confess that the endless reminders vex me? But when I ratted you out, someone wise said, “But aren’t you lucky that someone loves you that much?” I suddenly felt this lump in my throat and immense guilt in my heart.
Thank you for always looking out for me—even when I don’t appreciate it.
We don’t always share the same views but I never have to debate with you. Where do the minds of two alphas meet? On the table of mutual respect. Thank you for never imposing your opinions on me.
Thank you for being there for me—through heartbreak, surgery, cancer, loss. Thank you for praying for me. Always. For the wise, comforting and healing words, for the fab food fests, the raucous laughter, the unforgettable memories—thank you.
All the big and little things you did for me, I did not forget. But one day, I am afraid I will. So while I can, I want to say thank you for the love—unwavering and unconditional.
There are many things in this life I’m not good at. And today, as I turn 55, I realize that one of the things I’m really bad at is recognizing love when it’s there.
I know it. I write about it. I see it. Always. In other people’s stories. But for some reason, in my own story, I choose to be blind and brain-dead. Notwithstanding, you have stayed. Staunch and steadfast. Loving and loyal. Faithful and fearless.
Thank you for never giving up on me.
Grateful to be 55. Looking forward to 56. With all of you in my life.