Having a birthday 4 days after Christmas can be a total drag. No one wants to deal with yet another party, more presents, more food and sweets. I have but one photo of a birthday party from when I was a kid. In college no one was around at my birthday since my Mom had moved away from my hometown and the college town I lived in emptied out. When I was married it got a little better because at least my husband and my kids would recognize the date. My Mom was always good about getting me a present but still no party. My ex threw a surprise party when I turned 30. By the time I was 40 I had been divorced for a while so I threw my own party - it was great! Last year we had harmonic convergence in my family where my kids turned 16, 18, and 21 and I turned 50 within the same calendar year so we had another big old party. Again - it was great.

Me being passed down the pike at my 40th birthday party

This year my bookgroup friends met me at Peets for coffee. Some brought cards and presents but mostly it was just the recognition and support that warmed my heart. I think this is just about one of the most special birthdays I've ever had. My little Pookie got me some pants and a shirt that are very nice, my son is borrowing my car to get me something, Humbly Anne called from the mid-west where she has been spending the holidays and I am having dinner with my ex's mother and her oldest daughter who shares my birthday. This will be the first time in the 25 years we've known each other that we celebrated together.

When I was in my early 30s a friend gave me a card that said, "Never older, always better". It seems she was right.