On December 28th, I marked another trip around the sun—my 76th Birthday.
There were no big plans, no grand gestures — just something far better: good food, familiar faces, and the quiet comfort of being surrounded by people who feel like family.
We spent the evening with our close friends Luz and Adia and their children. They arrived carrying laughter, stories, and a beautiful cake — the kind made not just to be admired, but to be shared. It was a gift that carried warmth far beyond its candles.
At home, Elizabeth had been preparing a beef brisket, slow-cooked and ready for the final touch. We slathered it generously with my homemade barbecue sauce, then brought it to the table alongside homemade coleslaw and potato salad—simple food, made with care — the kind that brings people together without trying to impress.
As we sat together, talking and laughing, I found myself reflecting on how much my understanding of celebration has changed over the years. Once, birthdays were about milestones, expectations, and counting accomplishments. Now, they feel more like pauses — gentle moments to notice what truly matters.
Time slows when shared this way. Gratitude rises naturally. And joy doesn’t announce itself — it settles in quietly, like a friend pulling up a chair.
I enjoyed my birthday very much. Not because it was elaborate, but because it was real. Because it was rooted in friendship, love, and the simple blessing of being present in a place that has become home.
Another year has been added. And with it, a deeper appreciation for small gatherings, shared meals, and the people who walk this path alongside us.
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We have added a slideshow of pictures below.
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