HAPPY BIRTHDAY

It’s 19 August.

My birthday.

I’m smiling today.

My kids are with me, that alone is more than enough to soften the edges of everything else.

There are people who remembered.

Wishes came in.

Someone brought cake.

And I’m grateful. Truly.

I feel the love. I don’t take it for granted.

Another year, another layer of scars, another handful of lessons.

I don’t know if I’ve grown wiser, but I know I’ve survived 

even on days I swore I wouldn’t.

This year, I don’t wish for big things.

I only wish for quieter nights, for softer mornings,

for a little more peace inside my restless mind.

Happy birthday. You made it. For now.