September 5th. A special day to celebrate. Our family has had three birthdays already this month and one early celebration today. My mom’s youngest sister of six siblings turns 60 next month. She and another sister are here for a visit from Alaska.

My aunt does not look 60-years-old. Nor does she act sixty. She is as bubbly and full of life today as she was cheering for the high school sports team back in the day. Never able to have a child of her own, her spunk and easy infectious laughter will not be passed down through the generations. However, everyone who comes in contact with her, leaves feeling better for having known her. Her friendly, life-of-the-party type of personality draws people to her happiness. They find themselves relaxing and laughing right along with her funny antics or comebacks to friendly jabs thrown her way. In that way, her goodness is passed along to others. Most are not even aware they need the laughter permeating the room like a photographer is not aware of the need for mist over a scenic lake early in the morning as the sunrises, to increase the beauty and emotional connection captured in that moment.

Celebration with loved ones. Reminiscing about old times. Enjoying specially prepared foods and lovingly made cake for such an occasion and this. Being together, increasing bonds of love and friendship with family. And, spending time with others with the same or similar traits as yourself. It is a wonderful feeling to be accepted and loved for who you are. Birthdays are a fantastic opportunity to let others know you are thinking of and taking time to connect with them.

Happy birthday, everyone! May you all feel and/or spread love and happiness on your special day… whenever it is!