Find more celebration posts at Ruth’s blog.
Birthdays are opportunities to show a person how much you love her. Birthdays are also opportunities to share your love with others.
Like eating popcorn with chopsticks
And chocolate-covered strawberries
Like finding this message on Facebook:
Ms. Simon, 30 years ago, when we moved home from overseas, I struggled in the public school my parents put me in to fit in. My parents seeing how unhappy I seemed changed me to epiphany and I was blessed to have you as a teacher. My mother adored you. As a teacher myself, I know we aren’t always able to see the difference we make long term in a child’s life. You are an amazing person and teacher!
And spending hours catching up with your birthday sister. The waitress says, “Oh, you’re the kind of friends who can just pick up right where you left off.” She checked in on us occasionally as we talked on and on.
My birthday was a celebration of Love.
My backyard on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. The water has to cover the deck before it reaches the house.
My state, Louisiana, is in a state of emergency. The rain has come down for more than 28 hours and doesn’t show signs of stopping. They are calling this the Historic Flood of 2016. My family is fine. Our house is on the bayou, and the back yard is no longer visible. Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers. I know of one student so far who has evacuated his flooded home. I will be posting updates to my Facebook page.
Reflections on the Teche 
That message is beautiful! Celebrating birthdays and being celebrated is wonderful! I have been following the rain and you have been in my prayers. Praying for relief soon! Sending birthday hugs and love!
Best birthday wishes and sincere prayers…
I love that picture of eating popcorn with chopsticks and I know your former student was right when she says you are special. Those floods are crazy. We had them in Houston a few times. It’s shocking how fast the water comes and how much damage something as innocuous as water can do. xo
Happy belated birthday and oh my goodness, stay safe! Praying for you!!
Oh, my. I don’t like the look of that backyard. I will be thinking of you with thoughts of safety and LOVE! What a wonderful birthday you had with love all around you. That is the true and best gift. Happy for you.
Margaret, stay safe. I was worried about you when I heard the news. This brings back recollections of Superstorm Sandy and how it devastated Long Island. I am glad that your birthday was still a wonderful celebration despite the flooding.
I’ve been so worried about you. Glad to hear that the sun is out today and waters are receding.