It’s my birthday today. I’m 52.

My husband is a wonderful man. He remembered something I mentioned wanting months ago. It might seem odd, but this old girl wanted a little girl present. I asked for Beatrix Potter books. I unwrapped the first four at coffee this morning. I love them. I read part of Peter Rabbit to our puppies who seemed to take great delight in the story or perhaps it was simply the mention of rabbits.

Then, my mom and dad picked me up and took me my younger brother to IHOP for breakfast. My brother will be 50 in a few days.

It was a yummy breakfast, but a little bittersweet – we were all feeling our age I think. I treasure the time though. My brother made us all laugh. I savored the moments and let them sink deep into my memory.

There was an unspoken ending – no birthday pie. For many years Mom has baked me a rhubarb pie. I know she wanted to make me one – it just wasn’t meant to be this year and it may never happen again. Change is hard and yet, I am remembering the pies and am thanking God for the many I shared with my family.

When I got home, I checked my email and had many birthday wishes from family and friends who are regulars at FaceBook. That social site sure makes getting older a lot more fun!

Tonight my beloved husband will take me to supper at Applebee’s – he knows I love their spinach and artichoke dip. Then, we’ll head back home to watch Miss Potter. It’s one of my very favorite movies. We’ll snuggle with our puppies, I’ll get teary-eyed over her sorrows and triumphs, and it will be the perfect end to this birthday.