Celebrations

I believe in celebrations. I think that when good things happen, if you don't acknowledge them and show some gratitude then eventually the good doesn't come much anymore. Tonight we celebrated our niece Samantha's acceptance to the Physical Therapy Program at Wallace State.

She is a single mom, and has worked really hard. So, we got her brothers and their spouses and children and her parents to come over. We kept in simple, that is what she wanted, hot dogs,

chocolate cupcakes, and a toast with champagne. The kids had a great time, blowing bubbles,

playing soccer, picking flowers. Earlier in the day, Rick had found all of James' wrestling figures he had when he was kid, and his son Stone, was so excited when we gave them to him. As always, there were few bumps and bruises, that happens with a 7 year old, a 5 year old, a 3 year old and a 2 year old, but it was nothing that a kiss and an ice pack couldn't take care of.

Celebrations, recognitions of good things are so important. A lot of people get to the point they just say stuff like, it's no big deal, it's my birthday, just another day. It is a big deal, it is the day you were born, and there is no one else like you on the face this planet! Celebrate!!!!!!!

You got a raise, a promotion, a pat on the back........Celebrate!

Some times, I just light a candle, place some flowers in a vase, and say a short prayer of gratitude just because we all made it . A celebration of just being alive, being healthy, and a roof over our heads. Somedays I feel like a celebration just because I am breathing.

A celebration doesn't require a lot of planning, expensive things elaborate trimmings. I have celebrated with Hostess Twinkies, one year we celebrated New Years with a friend who had stopped drinking alcohol, we had water and humus. Sometimes, we can't be there in person, so make a call, celebrate with a note, an e-mail, a card. Acknowledge that good happens. It will generate more good.

So tonight, there were hot dogs, lemonade, cupcakes and oh yes, deviled eggs. The house rang with laughter, and good memories were made. And that my friends, is something worth celebrating.