Life

It's my birthday again. I'm about to go out with my friends because Henry is out of town -- the first time in ten years -- with Max. Since I've been very young, I've been taking photos of myself every once in a while -- the kind that look a little severe and really close up. Sometimes I just take a part of my face, and often I keep my face blank and write about that time in my life. It ends up looking a little like a collage with writing all around. So, {sigh} this is what forty-two looks like close-up with makeup on.

It started to rain today. But the air was so mild -- like spring wanted to peek in on me and say a quick hello. It spat, it poured, and now the sun has come out. I guess it's kind of like life -- ever changing. I used to do the typical birthday stuff. For the first time, I found that I don't really care about MY day. I care about what I can do so that others can enjoy "my" day and at the end of the day, that is what has made my day.

Today I:

1. Gave an old gentleman burrowing through the garbage something to eat and had a lovely conversation with him. I don't think I will ever forget his grace and his warm smiling eyes. He showed me how life can turn on a dime and deserves no less respect;
2. Gave Adam a birthday present -- a lollipop -- one of his favorite things, and he showed me how much joy he finds in simple things. Life is still pure and uncomplicated at age five;
3. Am buying dinner. I want to continue to share my life with my friends and family because life can get too busy and we can forget to spend time with them.
4. Wish all people I know and those I don't well, because we really do belong to each other. We share this life, this community and we are more united than we are divided.