As kids, we counted every half birthday,
50% older than we were six months earlier,
on our way to the next number,

which always felt like a better age to be.
Older, we felt, was better than younger.
Now, with more than six decades behind me,

I still count the half birthdays—
like the one today—because, although
I likely have what I imagine are fewer years

ahead of me than the ones behind me,
every day, every week, every month,
certainly every year, is a gift that

not everyone gets to open.
For all that is behind me,
I am grateful.

For all that is ahead of me,
no matter the challenges,
may I be just as thankful.