Happy Birthday 2 Me!!

I can't believe a year has gone by so fast. And so much has compacted itself into this last year. --> Leaving the military, visiting Malaysia and Viet Nam, returning to school, getting engaged, weddings, funerals, etc. Wow, it's almost too much to digest. And through it all I have gotten the sense that things are only going to go faster. Is that a foregone conclusion when growing old? I hope not. I like to savor my life. I can't do that if everything is speeding by. That is probably my biggest regret about this past year--not taking time to absorb and reflect on everything that has happened. Hmmmm. I don't know how to address that. One thing I can say is that I am thankful to God for every blessing He has given to me this past year. I have'nt felt this blessed in a long time. Especially for bringing Liz into my life. She has brightened up every aspect of my life and helped me to look with brighter (younger (?)) eyes to the future. That is probably the best birthday present I could ever receive.

I am also melancholy today. Thinking about another year past also brings to mind those who I have lost. About a month ago, a dear friend/mentor/teacher/hero died. He, of all those who have had some influence on my life, was the one who impacted me the most. Many of my eccentricities and passions (the sciences, nature, military, engineering, literature, the Bible, almost anything) came from watching and learning from him. Mr. Albert Frame was one of the most intelliegent men I've ever known and his passion for life and creation infected me more than I can ever say. I know most of you never knew him (and for that I almost pity you since he was an enormous blessing to everyone who knew him); but for those who did I know you agree with me when I say he was a true man of God and of integrity and he will be sorely missed.

Time to move on to a happier note! Liz gave me a wonderful birthday!! We went to see a movie ("V for Vendetta"--which I highly recommend by the way. I'll say more on that later.). Then we just sat and talked and discussed things such as our future and plans for the next year or so. Finally, she gave me a short story she had written about the two of us

Thank you all for your prayers and for the cards and well wishes on this day. Especially mom and Leah. They made me cry just from thinking about how much we have been through together.