I am happy to report that I got more for my birthday this year than a towel! Mostly because I shopped for a lot of it myself when we went to an art walk two weekends ago, but considering last year this year is gearing up to be so. much. better!

Some of the reasons why:

1) I don't have pancreatitis anymore

2) I don't have pneumonia anymore

3) I can breathe without supplemental oxygen

et al. Last year I was newly out of the hospital, and living with my parents instead of my apartment because I couldn't climb stairs, and I survived it somehow. Every time I think this is it, I manage to fight my way back. The difference with age is that I fight in concert with my body, not against my body, since it certainly takes longer with every time and ever year, but the ultimate goal is to make it out alive. So far so good!