Birthdays

"One of the central human needs is to be acknowledged and loved for who we are.  That is why birthdays are high holy days.

"'Celebrating a birthday is exalting life and being glad for it.  On a birthday we do not say: "thanks for what you did, or said, or accomplished."  No, we say: "Thank you for being born and being among us..."  Celebrating a birthday reminds us of the goodness of life, and in this spirit we really need to to celebrate people's birthdays everyday, by showing gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, and affection.  These are ways of saying: "It's good that you are alive; it's good that you are walking with me on this earth.  Let's be glad and rejoice.  This is the day that God has made for us to be and to be together.'"
--Henri Nouwen, "Here and Now"

We are glad to be alive - and to be with you!