Today

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any--lifted from the no
of all nothing--human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

e.e.cummings

Years ago I memorized that poem, and it has stuck with me, calling out to me all the many beautiful, wonderful days that I am given.  I remember my Grossmama talking about the importance of memorizing poetry.  I'm glad, because it inspired me to memorize this one, and it's been a good companion along the way.

Today feels like a good long stride toward Spring, and what more could I ask for on my birthday?  

So far, in addition to a Spring-like day, my other treats have been:

Coffee in bed

Baroque Radio in the morning

A card from Moo that described me as "kind" "inspiring" "tender" and "eager"

Hugs from my little ones

Free bagels

Free lunch at a favorite spot with my husband

Beautiful, spring-looking dishes

Vibrams (which, coincidentally come with a vote of confidence from my husband)

Coupon shopping with my hands (and whole body) to myself

A new song written by Greta (The sun comes up/The moon goes down/Get up with a smile and not a frown/Celebrate! Participate!. . . . )

Grandma-assisted kid decorated cake (lemon cake piled with berries and frosting, and accompanied by strawberry ice cream -- all by Grandma)

and. . . get this. . . even though I baked a whole chicken with roasted veggies, and Mark doesn't get home till 7:30, when we're scrambling through bed time, I ordered myself Indian food.  My favorite: Pakora Curry with Garlic Naan

Kids singing me the birthday song

After giving birth to my own three babies, the meaning of birthdays has deepened for me.  I find more appreciation for my own mom more then ever before.  I've always known that my mom has given me the world, that she would give me the world again and again.  I've always known that she loves me and always will.  I've always known that she's worked hard and sacrificed, and she's always said it was worth it.  But I didn't know this kind of love until I was here, living it myself.  So, thank you, MOM, for life and love and wings.  Thank you for it all.