"i'm a new soulon this day, 30 november, in 1975, guess what? chicken butt. no really, ... it was the birthday of moi, a new soul, and i have been finding myself making every possible mistake since. what can i say, ... i'm still learning, even after these many years. as my grandfather told my mom, and as she keeps reminding me, "we don't all get the chance of growing old." it is a grace given to us by God, and i am joyful knowing i am walking this walk with you all.
i came to this strange world
hoping i could learn a bit about how to give and take
but since i came here
felt the joy and the fear
finding myself making every possible mistake" (Yael Naïm - New Soul, 2008)
thank you + merci to all my peeps - in person, and across the digital continent - for the many beautiful birthday wishes + prayers! i received hugs + love through facebook, twitter, email, + yes, even snail mail! good times! i celebrated mass (St. Andrew, pray for us!) at 9am with the faithful, and after the final blessing, a non-liturgical song for me erupted to my great surprise bonne fête!!! i'm still smiling. the cake and coffee afterwards also came in handy.
i also had a surprise visit from my dad. he dropped by last night, treated me to supper, and i humbled him in a few games of pool! you can i say i have a few skillz, yo! i'll challenge you in squash, badminton, and pool. at the same time, too. :)
plus, on my birthday i don't have to worry about setting my alarm clock. that's where my mom comes in! every birthday since i left home she calls me earlier, and earlier - trying to beat her best time from the previous year, to be the first to wish me happy birthday! good times! :) this morning was her new best record: 3:43 AM. ok, i'm exagerating a bit, as i always. i love that about mom, merci maman!!! however, around her birthday time, i always warn her that it is my turn to call! :)
as St. Andrew brought his brother, St. Peter, to Jesus, so my parents shared with me their gift of faith in God in Our Lord Jesus Christ. through them, i grew to love God, love Holy Mother Church, and found my strength in prayer. i love mom. i love dad! merci!
once again, merci + thanks to all of you - family, friends, brothers and sisters!!! you are always in my prayers too.
peace.
ps. i'm now growing older (wiser). maybe that's why i found a (as in one) gray hair today. time for: