Today is my birthday.  Growing up, I always loved my birthday.  My presents were under the tree.  It prolonged the Christmas let-down.  I never had school and my parents rarely had to work.  Sometimes, if I was really lucky, extended family would still be in town from Christmas to celebrate my birthday.

As I've gotten older, I've begun not to like birthdays quite so much because I'm not really interested in this getting older business any longer.  But alas, it comes each year and there is nothing I can do about it.  So I might as well enjoy it, right?

Today, someone sent me this.  A blog reader I don't even know, who sent an anonymous email.  Someone I can't really even thank for the ways they changed my day.  I sat there at my computer with tears running down my cheeks because I am so beyond humbled by these kind words.

If you can't read it, it says this:

"You may feel you need inspiration.  Reading essays like "Welcome to Holland" or sentiments like this one may keep you going on days when you're feeling less than hopeful.  But you have a fair amount of inspirational power yourself. *** Others who feel they could never handle what you do are inspired by what you are able to accomplish - and people who have to handle the things you do are inspired by your example to try their hares.  Your efforts may inspire changes in the way others interact with your child and with all the other children to follow. *** The next time you're in need of a little inspiration, just look at all the lives you've changed with your love and hard work.  You really don't need to look any further than that. ***"

That was the single greatest birthday gift I've ever received.  

To whoever sent it, THANK YOU.  You've made my day.  :)

Lots of Love -