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Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday--another milestone met--another year of birth anniversary. I didn't expect much of a celebration this year and that was fine by me. I tire easily and can't bear up under the social expectations of others. Smiles and efforts to speak, with or without my speech generating device, taxes my energy--quickly.

After a lifetime of acquiring stuff, I need nothing anymore; you cannot take it with you and I live in hospice where I live my life in a room. I'm pretty happy to have a delicious morsel that I can manage to eat despite my mouth, tongue, and throat weaknesses. Tonight was delectable and tender Lamb Curry, individual-size banana splits, chocolate mousse, and cupcakes.

My mother and sister, Renee, surprised me with a visit complete with gorgeous fall flowers, gourmet cupcakes, a gift of audiobooks (my favorite kind) and their time, despite health challenges. My husband showed up while they were here, helping to carry the conversation, thus I did not overtire.

Throughout the day, caregivers dropped by to drop "Happy Birthday" wishes upon me. I got an extra bit of pampering today when my massage and physical therapists overlapped giving me double bliss. I highly recommend double bliss!

What a wonderful way to spend my birthday. Adding happy to my birthday was the helpful and loving presence of my husband, Rod. Feeding me all the goodies, showing up with more cupcakes, nightgowns, unboxing my package from my daughter, (an earphone headband), reading cards, downloading audiobooks, and watching movies with me. Oh, and placing long-distance calls to relatives who wished to speak to me on my birthday.

What a day!

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Location: 2720 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112, USA

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