Today Is My Birthday

Today is my birthday.  Usually this is not a big deal because I am not at any significant age:

• I am way past being old enough to drive.
• I am way past being old enough to vote.
• I am way past being old enough to be considered a mature adult -- at least most of the time.
• I have passed the age where I can initially join AARP.
• I have reached the first two levels of qualifying for senior discounts (50, 55)

But, this year I have learned that when a person has cancer, celebrating every birthday is a big deal.  The American Cancer society calls itself the "Official Sponsor of Birthdays."  This may explain why, when I returned to the oncologist's office for the blood draw today, I got a big hug from Nergiz.

I have learned that I need to think of my birthday a little differently now.  It's not the age I am; it's the fact that I am here to celebrate it once more.