Yesterday was my birthday, and it marked twenty years since I graduated from high school. Hard to imagine. I can’t be old enough to have been out of school that long! I think. I remember a conversation I had with my Granny Jane one summer when I was home from college. She said something I will never forget.

She said, “Sue, sitting here with you I feel most like myself. It’s like I never stopped being eighteen on the inside—this old woman on the outside just snuck up and took over my body. I will always feel eighteen, with the whole world before me.”

I know what she means. I often feel like I haven’t done much yet. Why is time slipping away so quickly? Before I could even check for new wrinkles, posts and messages came pouring in via email and facebook wishing me a happy birthday, and suddenly it was clear where the time has gone.

Childhood friends chimed in—remembering my mom’s amazing birthday cakes. People who remember Mr. Gursky reading after lunch in 3^rd grade and summers at Roosevelt.

College friends who loved me and made me laugh despite my fatigue, neuroses, and identity crises. How did we survive?

Colleagues from the last fourteen years of teaching—from multiple states and half a dozen schools. People who have taught me so much about being a professional—about loving what I do.

My former students—the ones who are now inconceivably moms and dads, who I realize now are only a few years younger than me. That as adults, you invite me into your lives…thank you.

Friends I have met through this blog…I am so honored that you take time to read and encourage. Thank you!

Friends from several churches, from several duty stations and deployments, from several countries and states. Goodness I miss you all.

My extended family— who brings a thumping in my chest (a happy, thump!)—I am so incredibly blessed. To have so many of you openly and out loud love us—it is an immeasurable blessing.

And to my parents, my children, and my Aunt Nancy who spent the day with me—with all the usual madness and monkeying. I love you so much. (Tattoo Man, you were so missed—hope Fleet Week in New York is amazing. I’m not jealous or bitter. Really.)

Whatever aspirations I have or have not completed, I know that the most important things are not things, but people. I will smile as I look back through your names and messages and know that the time has been spent well, with amazing people who I am honored to call friends. Thanks for a great birthday.