As I make my way down the stairs I am a bit stiff and wonder if leg arthritis is starting to set it. Great I think to myself, this is the age where all the major things in life are going to be shutting down in my body. I'm not close to retiring but I sure am not twenty five any more.

As I drop off the kids to school the rain begins to pour. Great, a perfect weather forecast to match my mood. When I get to work I realize I forgot my umbrella at home. Perfect, add it up to a bad hair day for my bad old birthday.

To go with my balloons is the proverbial over the hill cake to I dive into it with a big piece. Why not as my hips is now beginning to spread as I near death of fifty faster and faster. As I return to my office I just sit and stare at the black balloons and ponder what my headstone will say.

As I look at my ringing phone I see it is a birthday call from my best friend Lisa. She probably has the perfect fun filled dig to give me while reminding me she is two years younger. But as I answered I sense that she is upset. I ask her what is wrong but she tries to play it off.

With some goading and her apologizing for not being happier she finally tells me what is wrong. I slump back in tears as my best friend tells me she has breast cancer. Oh Lisa, how sorry I am for you, how selfish could I be for being so thoughtless and pitiful about my own life.

The burden I share with my friend makes me realize how fortunate I am. Sure I feel older but I can look forward to more years where she is doubtful of hers. How could I be so self absorbed and not see all the blessings around me that I have. I was too wrapped up in my own pity. So as I pull up the drive I thank God for the blessings I do have and squeeze my kids hard and thank the man above.