Give Thanks...For Birthday Candles

 Tonight, we gathered and celebrated birthdays (plural...). We lit candles on a delicious red velvet cake, sang a short and sweet tune, then the candles were extinguished with a blast of air. Presents were opened, cake and ice cream was consumed...a good time was had by all.

I'm grateful for another year of birthdays. 

I'm also grateful for family.

With Thanksgiving over and Christmas around the bend, it's time to take in a deep breath. My son's birthday is a perfect time to do that. It's not as cold as it's going to get. There's still time to not only get Christmas gifts, but make plans on how to get them. 

We live in strange times. So many people are not with us this year that were here just a year before, my sister being one of them. So many have personal stories of a loved one they've lost. That's one of the great mysteries of life--the not knowing the future. Some would say it's the greatest mystery we'll ever face.

The fires danced atop the candles illuminating smiles around the table. The light and heat soon disappeared. Hopefully, they'll be reignited a year from now and I hope to be among those in attendance, too.