So I’m 79 today, not a big deal in the scheme of things, but somehow important to me. I never thought I would make it this far.

One thing I like very much about being older is a sense of appreciation for having lived this long and for the opportunity and gift of living longer.

I spent some time this weekend thinking about what I am grateful for, and the list is long and beautiful to me. I find myself thanking other people.

Maria’s sketch (Above). I love Maria’s sketches; she made this one for me this morning.

I am grateful for the chance to support Maria Wulf, whom I admire, love, and respect more than any other person in my life.

I am grateful for the many people who read my blog and puzzle through my life. They taught me to be tolerant rather than angry. She taught me how to love.

Because of Maria, I have learned how to care about someone I love more than myself. It’s contagious. This morning she gave me the sketch above.

I am, of course, grateful to the dogs, donkeys, cat, and sheep who have shaped and defined my life. They have helped me in more ways than they know, but which I greatly appreciate.

I’m grateful to the caring people who taught me how to be healthy and even exercise happily.

I am grateful for the opportunity to live in and among nature, good things and jarring things. I am grateful for my farm and for the opportunity to work with the Cambridge Food Pantry; they are a gift to me for all sorts of reasons.

I think that’s enough for one birthday morning.

Maria is taking me out to lunch this afternoon and has given me the gift of not having to wash any of the dishes for a whole day. Honestly, that’s a big gift.

I had time to meditate over the last day or two, and to my surprise, there is little in my life I wish to change, since I don’t have the good fortune to see our country led and governed by kind and empathetic people. I don’t wish to be consumed by others’ anger, hatred, and cruelty. I hope to contemmplate things tomorrow morning as well.

I am happy and busy; my age has liberated me. For the first time, I’m not a slave to others and what they think. I have the chance to be a better human. I won’t blow it this time.

I’m grateful to my daughter Emma, whom I also admire, for her kindness, decency, and desire to live her own independent life. That’s what I always wanted of her.

So my birthday wish, if I have one, is to be thankful for my life, live it as well as I can, and do as much good as I can. My mission is to leave the world a bit better than I found it.

Below. A month or so ago, I bought Maria a New York Times book of Crossword Puzzles.

She got hooked – no surprise – my wife is someone who thrives on brain food. Since she never buys anything for herself, I need to step in when I can. When I lie down to sleep on most nights, she is lying in bed muttering over the puzzles.

Life is good, and on my 79th birthday, I give thanks for it. And thanks for all your kind words. I will work hard to justify them. P.S.

If you want to send me a gift, the Cambridge Pantry is out of Diced Tomatoes With Basic, Garlic & Oregano ($22.68).There is nothingg left on the tomato shelves. All tomato products are needed.

It would be a lovely gift for me. The Pantry is having a rough time.

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Maria’s idea of resting. Go hit the puzzles.