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Courtney

Courtney
taken 8/4/07

Courtney and her kids

Courtney and her kids
taken 8/4/07

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Day +117 "My 34th Birthday"

Monday, April 7, 2008 (late post)

You know as I have gotten older I don’t find myself thinking about my birthdays as much. I know a lot of us who are in our thirties and older probably feel the same way. Birthdays aren’t so much of a milestone anymore. It’s “before we were married” or “after this child was born” or “when we lived here”.

So I thought my 34th birthday would sneak on by. But I got cancer when I was 33 years old. And I found myself thinking a lot more about my 34th birthday. There were some really dark and difficult times when I was first diagnosed with an acute form of Leukemia.

Would I see my children grow-up, graduate from school, fall in love and get married? Would I even reach my 34th birthday that was just 6 ½ months from now? So at midnight when it was official, Todd sweetly wished me “Happy Birthday." And I cried. I sat there and cried. I had made it…

Todd sat with me and comforted me. He never doubted that I would miss my birthday or any other birthday, anniversary, graduation, or wedding. He told me he had taken today off so we could celebrate.

It was a wonderful (and tiring) day. The girls were off to school and Todd took Aidan to Melissa’s so we could shop for my birthday present. We went to one of my favorite stores, Target. I hadn’t been out in so long. I picked out a pair of storage ottomans that I had been wanting for the living room. Todd said that we needed to pick up Aidan around 12:15.

So we headed back to Melissa’s and as soon as we turned on her street I noticed a lot of familiar cars. “12:15, huh?” Pretty specific time… I knocked on the door and when Melissa opened it there was a big group of friends, shouting “Surprise!” I was completely shocked that I just didn’t start crying as I walked around the room hugging and greeting everyone. It was absolutely wonderful! We all chatted away the hour. So many beautiful smiling faces that I hadn’t been able to see in such a long time! After it was over I just wished I would have thought of taking pictures! (Thank you, Melissa, for being so sneaky.) I confided to Melissa and Michelle later that I would have been bought to tears if I hadn’t already used them all up last night.

After the girls got home from school we had an early dinner (3:45pm) over at Chili’s near our house. I think we’re pretty brave to head out with four kids especially when one of them is a two year old! It was a nice time and the kids were so well behaved. We finished off the day and ate cake and ice cream.

I don’t think I’ll ever let a birthday “sneak” on by again. I just may not admit to my true age!

10 comments:

Amy Pennington said...

Hey you! It was so great to celebrate with you on your special day. It was definitely a highlight for me! love ya
Amy

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COURTNEY!!! I AM GLAD U WERE AND ARE SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO LOVE U AND CARE FOR U!

Marlane said...

Courtney-- that sounds so fun! Wish I could've been there. So glad you had a wonderful b-day! Russ's mom is visiting and was just commenting on how cute your Christmas card was. Love, Marlane

Nicole said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nicole said...

Hey Courtney - you totally don't know me, I found your blog through my sister, Dani. I hope you know who she is. Anyway, I've been reading for months now, and I have been so touched by your journey.

I just wanted to tell you Congratulations on making it to your 34th! I am so thrilled at your progress!!!

No Big Dill said...

Happy Birthday, Courtney! I thought you were more like 28!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to youuuuuuu, Happy Birthday dear Courtneyyyyyyy, Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuu!!!That was my very best voice just for you because I am so happy for you
Rhonda,WI

Anonymous said...

Courtney -- Congratulations! We continue to pray for you and your family. I'm so thrilled to hear you've passed another happy milestone. Sounds like a wonderful celebration. Love -- Jackie

Unknown said...

Just wanted to tell you I love you-- and looking forward to sooo many more birthdays (both your real one and your new one)! I miss you and love you.

Carie Ann Wall said...

Happy Birthday Courtney. I am so happy for you.

 

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