Birthdays are usually just another day for me. Maybe something more this time. Aging brings gratitude, and I am grateful to be alive in this curious world. I have a birthday present in mind. See below.

________

_______

I don’t celebrate birthdays unless they are Maria’s, but I have agreed to celebrate this one – 79 years of life – at the Inn we went to for our honeymoon a few years ago. I’ll be gone for the rest of the day, back around lunchtime tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.

I never ask for birthday presents and see my birthday – August 8th – as just another day. But I did have this idea. If anyone out there wanted to celebrate my birthday, I would welcome it, helping the Cambridge Food Pantry hold the line by sending some food. Their Wish Lists are full of choices. And thanks. It’s the perfect “Happy Birthday” wish for me.

My work with the Pantry and its remarkable volunteers has kept my faith in humanity during all of the sad turmoil. There are no haters there. They are keeping good alive.

Have a great day.