First of all: sending lots of cheerful (if belated!) birthday wishes to you, Marissa. The world is lucky to have you in it, and I'm so glad I made your acquaintance this past year!
Second of all: I can so relate to what you've written here, and I'm so glad you published this heartfelt and honest accounting of the "sad, gray" birthday. Of course I'd prefer a happy, sunshiney one for you, but some years (and stretches) feel disappointing...or worse. It's refreshing to hear you talk about a phenomenon that has been/will be a reality for all of us, sooner or later.
All that said: that's a gorgeous photo of you, and the highlights you shared are TRULY phenomenal. I'm toasting to a happy, sunshiney 34th year for you!
Thank you so much Maddie! I know I've said it before, but you GET it and that really means the world. I hesitated to share a post like this because, frankly, it's uncomfortable, which only adds to the experience of a birthday being something other than you expected or hoped for. But it's real and honest and, like you said, something we ALL experience at some point.
You're right—the highlights were pretty remarkable. 🥹 Let's see what this year brings, shall we? Cheers right back.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my all time favorite people!! As much as I want happier days for you, and/or to be physically eating sad grey cupcakes with you IRL this weekend, I’m so proud of you for your shift toward radical acceptance (even begrudgingly!) and for all you’ve navigated in the last year. “Like a firm index finger pressed into my bruised soul” … oof, so vivid and real. May this next trip around the sun bring a tidal wave of relief and joy. 💛
Happy belated birthday Marissa 🍾🥂🥳
Thanks, Cammi!
First of all: sending lots of cheerful (if belated!) birthday wishes to you, Marissa. The world is lucky to have you in it, and I'm so glad I made your acquaintance this past year!
Second of all: I can so relate to what you've written here, and I'm so glad you published this heartfelt and honest accounting of the "sad, gray" birthday. Of course I'd prefer a happy, sunshiney one for you, but some years (and stretches) feel disappointing...or worse. It's refreshing to hear you talk about a phenomenon that has been/will be a reality for all of us, sooner or later.
All that said: that's a gorgeous photo of you, and the highlights you shared are TRULY phenomenal. I'm toasting to a happy, sunshiney 34th year for you!
Thank you so much Maddie! I know I've said it before, but you GET it and that really means the world. I hesitated to share a post like this because, frankly, it's uncomfortable, which only adds to the experience of a birthday being something other than you expected or hoped for. But it's real and honest and, like you said, something we ALL experience at some point.
You're right—the highlights were pretty remarkable. 🥹 Let's see what this year brings, shall we? Cheers right back.
Happy birthday Marissa!
Thanks so much, Chris!
Happy birthday! Looking gorg!🌷 🎉🌷🎉🌷
Thank you so much! That's so kind of you to say.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my all time favorite people!! As much as I want happier days for you, and/or to be physically eating sad grey cupcakes with you IRL this weekend, I’m so proud of you for your shift toward radical acceptance (even begrudgingly!) and for all you’ve navigated in the last year. “Like a firm index finger pressed into my bruised soul” … oof, so vivid and real. May this next trip around the sun bring a tidal wave of relief and joy. 💛
Love youuuuuu! Thank you for ushering in this next year with me. I look forward to this tidal wave <3