On Aug. 17, I woke up with great anticipation, it was my 81st birthday. I was so excited just to know God had blessed me with another year of life. Then I realized I had to go to a doctor’s appointment and I was no longer excited. The nurse made the appointment for me when I was on vacation. I tried to cancel it but she said if I didn’t take this appointment then I wouldn’t be able to get another until October. I was feeling sorry for myself until I realized the appointment would only last for so long and then I would have the whole day in front of me to celebrate. So off to the doctor I went. My doctor’s report was good and I’m making great progress. As a matter of fact, that was just the type of great news I wanted to hear on my birthday.

After the appointment my husband took us to Red Lobster for lunch; it is one of my favorite places. We had a good time just laughing and reminiscing about life. After lunch, we went to the ice cream parlor and I felt like a little girl. I absolutely love ice cream and always look forward to getting some. There’s a new parlor that opened up and they have so many different kinds of ice cream. I was in heaven. I finally settled on peach and it was delicious.

Later in the evening my husband and I listened to some down home blues and danced the night away, just the two of us. He sang in my ear and I giggled like a schoolgirl. I opened my gifts, read my cards and felt blessed that no matter what I’ve been through this year, I remained standing.

I took a moment to just say “Thank you Lord, thank you for loving me. Thank you for allowing me to wake up in my right mind, and to walk on my own 2 feet and to have the strength to go to the doctor’ office.”

God has been good to me despite the cancer, despite the surgery and despite the pain no matter whether I celebrate my birthday with a big party like last year, or in a doctor’s office like this year, I will rejoice and be glad. Thank you Jesus for your blessings. Be bless in Jesus name.

Mary Simmons can be reached at marysimmons@embarqmail.com.