A birthday message

First, I would like to thank you for coming here and reading my message.  I don't take your time and support lightly, so thank you!  

If you know me, you know that I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY!  My mom, Doris Jean, loved celebrating it and made a big deal of the 21 years we had together. In her eyes, every day was a celebration.  She reminded me that not everyone gets to celebrate their birthday and not to take another year for granted. So, here I am, 8/22/2026, 54 years young. 

I started the day with a fresh almond croissant from a local bakery, coffee, and a bouquet of sunflowers.  Those things were so nice, but I thought about and am so thankful for my husband, who worked a double yesterday, got up early, and went to the bakery before I got up this morning to make sure I woke up to those special things.  I do not know all of the love languages, but I do know that gifts and acts of service are part of those languages, and he gets a gold star every single time! 

Jacob made the trip home for my birthday, and that makes me so happy! He has some exciting things going on career-wise and won't be home for a while, so the time I have with him today is EVERYTHING!

Jenn, Shakiyra, Ann, Jess - thank you for everything! You are an important part of my life, my story, and I thank you for thinking of me and making this day so special. 

The FB messages and texts are rolling in. I love it!  I love hearing from folks who typically stay quiet, or I haven't heard from in a while. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to wish me a happy birthday! I appreciate it so very much from the bottom of my heart.  Those of you who went in deep, thank you, and I love you!

I am sitting here with a cup of ice water; Classical Goes Pop is playing on my Marshall speaker, Oliver and Koby are to my left, and I am completely filled with gratitude and peace.  I am grateful beyond words just to have woken up this morning. I used to go to a church where the Pastor would say something like, I don't want to take anything from you; I want to give something to you. That resonates so strongly with me. I post a lot of positive things - things that reinforce my belief in new beginnings, things that reinforce how special you are and that you can do anything.  That your past doesn't define you, and that as long as you are given another day, it is a day to do better and become better. I truly believe those things, not only for you but for me as well.  My life is not perfect; I am not perfect, but I strive to be better every single day.  Sometimes I fail, and sometimes I succeed, but I will never give up!  

So, on my 54th birthday, I have a few requests. You can't say no because it is my birthday.  LOVE yourself!! Be so BOLD that you surprise yourself.  Do something nice for yourself or someone else.  SMILE!! Play your favorite song, and if the beat moves you, DANCE! LAUGH! Celebrate YOU!!   

God, I thank you for another year! Thank you for filling in for my parents, for correcting me and convicting my heart when my mouth gets a bit too sassy.  For being there through ALL of it. For the peace you bring into my life when at times there are storms all around me. For answered and unanswered prayers, as you know what I need better than I do. I trust in You. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!    

To my husband and son - you are everything to me. I am home wherever you are. You make my heart full. Typical Armstrong fashion; they are at AT&T right now getting new phones - on my birthday. Sounds about right!! HAHA!! I love them to pieces.  My sweet fur babies, they make everything that much sweeter. Just having them by my side right now is the BEST! 

Ok, I am off to continue celebrating. Thank you for walking this journey with me and for all of the support and love you have shown me.  Cheers to 54 years! 

Be BOLD!!!!