My Birthday

So, today is my birthday and I had a GREAT day, despite having to work. Now, for those of you who know me, you know that I'm not a real morning person per se. :) Ok, not at all. But I remember thinking at 8:30 this morning, "I'm having a good day already." My co-workers took me for lunch and gave me a great candle with wonderful sayings on it, "Kneel in Faith, Stand in Courage, Wait in Hope and Walk in Love." Very nice. Then my girlfriends took me for supper to the Olive Garden and even though it was quite loud in the restaurant, we had a great time. They all gave me money to put towards the backpack that I want to buy for my trip. Soooooo helpful, you don't even know. As I was displaying all of their cards tonight and re-reading what they all wrote, it hit me how much I'm going to miss them all when I'm gone next year. They really are such an amazing support to me. I know there will be times when I'll be lonely on my trip and I'll think back to tonight and maybe question why I left, but I know God will get me through it. My Mom sent me a card for my birthday too and it has the most amazing words that I have to share them.

Think of a mitten and a hand
or the way tea
fills the curve of a
teacup.
In the same way, there is
a place in my life
shaped like
you.
Before you came,
I did not even know it was there.
But
afterward,
I knew
I had always had it,
this quiet and waiting space
in the middle
of my heart
that you, and
only you, could fill.
And even more than the day
you came into my world ..
I love you

Isn't that great? How could a daughter not love that? Thanks Mom.Well, after a great day, I must get some beauty sleep. At 34, I need all the help I can get.