I'm 60!!

Can you believe this? I'm 60 years old today!!

I have wondered for some time what this birthday would bring. There have been times I wasn't sure I'd live this long. These last couple of years have been rough for me . . . for us. We seem to have hit every crisis possible for a family. I got through and I'm stronger. Praise God!

I want to thank my mom for giving a childhood to remember. She's gone now 11 years, but she was the best mom a kid could have (I was spoiled rotten). Thanks to my kids for growing me up and my grandkids for breathing new life into me.

I joined a group of people who have tournaments on Pogo. The held a birthday tour/party for me last night and a couple of dozen people showed up to wish me well. I want to thank those Gamers. I have played a lot of games on Pogo, especially while in bed. It's nice to have met a group that plays and chats together without bad language or criticism.

I love having the friends I have made here on the Internet. Many of you I wouldn't know if you walked up in front of me, but I feel as I know you well. If you are new to my journal, welcome. I love to meet people and hear your comments.

Rob got me a new digital SLR camera for my birthday. Yesterday we went out to take the first big group of pictures. I feel almost guilty posting this slide show because I hear of the terrible cold in so many places. We have had a few days of Santa Ana winds and the weather has been wonderful. I have not walked on the beach in over 2 years. What a glorious day it was for me. I felt like I got full deep breaths for the first time since we cracked my rib (love those hugs). These pictures are a glimpse of the wonders of living on the California coast. We drove just under 3 miles to reach the shore. Please enjoy.

Something is happening to me that I consider miraculous. I live in constant pain. For the last couple of weeks the pain has been the same, but infinitely more bearable. I've spent more time in bed than out of it over the last year and I have been up and about more lately than even I can believe. We walked on the beach for some time yesterday as I snapped pictures. I felt joy like a bubbling spring inside me. I've been afraid to go because walking on sand is so difficult for me. I can only thank God for this change. My prayer life has changed. I quit asking for myself and started thanking Him instead. I pray for all of you every day. I don't think I can express in words the gratitude I feel. Just praise the Lord. "If ye ask anything in My name, I will do it." JOHN 14:14 KJV

Remember: I'm praying for you anyway. If you have a need, I'm here. Let me know. firestormkids04@aol.com

Love and many blessings,