Birthdays

It was his birthday too. Icy. 
Post ball play pic in the snow.
He looks so annoyed!

Yesterday was my 2nd birthday in my 4th decade (trying to say it fancy so I don't have to say the number)! It was a wonderful day filled with delicious food from a Cleveland gem, The West Side Market, prepared by my skillful and handsome husband.  My family surrounded me with love and the kids couldn't have been cuter although they were very loud. Feeling like things and people are loud comes with age. When you have a birthday the day before Valentine's Day, you have to plan months in advance or you're going to end up with a red, heart shaped cake, and forget about going to a restaurant. (I've been bitter about this for years!  ha! ha!) We just bopped into the West Side Market and got it done! My at home dinner was the perfect way to mend my cold I picked up from our recent clinical trail visit.  The only complaint I have is I was a little offended by the weather, and the fact that the earth froze over to some of the coldest temperatures of the season.  What is this, the celebration of the ice queen or some icy bitch? What do I expect, I was born in February after all!  My favorite part is all the wishes from my friends and family, they're heartfelt and lovely. They mean everything to me.  I am so grateful!

My birthday always reminds me of a conversation I had with a doctor who was part of the practice that delivered my sons when they were born.  Alex was just born and it was December.  He was transported by the transport team to another hospital because he couldn't breath and was very sick at birth.  Unexpectedly sick.  I think even my doctors were surprised that they couldn't anticipate this, and why it happened, we'd come to find out later why it happened. Hunter Syndrome was just making its initial appearance.  I remember talking to them about him being full term, of good weight, and I think it really surprised them and disappointed them as well.

So together, we sat there surprised, maybe shocked, and sad.  It was Christmas Day, and the Doctor pulled a chair up to my bedside to talk to me.  I was quite sad, and tired.  I missed my infant son who was alone at another hospital.  Dan would go back and forth and many times I said "just stay there with him, I am fine."  The Doctor sat by my side and said, "Amy, you are young and healthy. You'll feel better if you get out of here and go to your baby's bedside.  I want to tell you the best is yet to come.  You're young. You're going to have the best years of your life ahead. " This just made me cry because I didn't feel that hopeful, it was a tough situation and I was exhausted.  After all, I had just had a baby.  He continued, " I ran my fastest marathon in my 40s.  I was in the best shape of my life. I had the best times in my career.  Life in your 40s is amazing, just wait."  Then he released me, and let me go to my son's bedside because he thought this was the best medicine for me, to mend my broken heart.  That is a great Doctor!  Sometimes you don't realize the moments and the things that people say to you in those times that will stick with you forever.

I always remember this now that my birthdays in my 40s are piling up.  These are meant to be the best years, and I am going to cherish every single one!

Thank you for the birthday wishes, and for being a part of our lives.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Love always,

Amy
The Ice Queen