Today is my birthday. I was greeted by my lovely wife Debbie this morning with a sleepy “Happy Birthday” and her sweet smile, which I cherish all the more because I know that mornings are not typically a happy time for her. Two of my grandkids called on their way to school with their cheery little voices bringing sunshine on this foggy morning. Of course my daughter, my mom, my sister and brother have all called which makes me feel loved as well. Folks at work have been wishing me a “Happy Birthday” which may be more likely because I’m the boss but I’d like to think that a few of the wishes are sincere. Many more emails and Facebook posts add to the feeling of being cared about on this day. Birthday wishes are affirming. They cost nothing to give (expect the Hallmark variety) and they are worth so much to the receiver. I feel especially blessed today. And tonight when I blow out the candles on my cake, it will be my turn to “make a wish”. The only problem is that I have more than one wish. Perhaps the more candles that you have, the more wishes you should be allowed – I hope so anyway.

Here are my wishes:

I wish that I was fluent in Spanish because my Mexican friends speak such beautiful English (and I would like to return the favor).

I wish I had the energy to play all the games that my grandson wants to play.

I wish that my beautiful granddaughters will always keep a little of the innocence that they now possess.

I wish that I would have gotten some of that wisdom that’s supposed to come with age.

I wish that bacon, cheeseburgers, pizza and M&M McFlurries were all calorie free.

I wish that laughter would be a part of every day for the rest of my life.

I wish that I could give more, take less, and always be grateful for what I have.

I wish that all people would be treated with dignity, respect and kindness.

I wish that love would triumph over hatred in our hearts, in our homes, and in our world.

I wish that I might live just one day longer than Debbie (so that she’s never alone and that I’m not alone too long).

Happy Birthday to me!

Peace,

Denis