Thursday, April 9, 2009

Through The Years

Sixty years ago today I made my grand entrance into this life. I was the fourth and last child born to Bertha Mae (Crace) Riley and Joseph L. Riley. As long as my mother was alive, she recalled for me on April 9th of every year that it snowed on my first birthday. She would also tell me that Easter fell on my first birthday as well. FYI..... It has not fallen on my birthday again in sixty years. The last thing these sixty years have been was hum-drum or boring. This journey has carried me down many roads. Some quite twisted and full of curves, some dark and scary, while others were bright, beautiful and overflowing with laughter and happiness.




Regardless of the hardships and unhappiness that I have faced in my lifetime, I can honestly say that I wouldn't wish them away if I could. Those same hardships and unhappiness is the cast that molded me into the person that I am. My whole life has been mobile until six years ago when J.D. retired and we put our roots down here on J.D.'s mountain in Southern Ohio to finish out what time we have left here on this earth. I can't think of any place I would rather be.



I give thanks every day for the many special friends and loved ones that have been a part of my journey. Each of them has touched my life in some way and made me the better person for having walked with me for a while. I love and appreciate each and everyone of you.



My little family will be honoring me with a Birthday celebration this evening. I love our family get togethers..... there is always such a feeling of warmth and happiness when we can all be together. I love you little party animals! I offer thanks to my parents for giving me life. I am especially thankful to God for denying me my wishes to end my life, during those times when life seemed especially dark. There was indeed so much more ahead to live for.


Wishing all a blessed day!



10 comments:

Picket said...

Happy Happy Birthday to you sweetie!!!!! May it be filled with much love and memories and may you have many many more to come!

Anonymous said...

Wishing you the best, most wonderful birthday! May it be filled with all good things.

Akelamalu said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

and may you have many more :)

Diane of Crafty Passions said...

Happy Happy Birthday!!!!
Happy Easter too!
Diane

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Happy Birthday, Jo! May it be filled with love and happiness and enjoyed with your dearest friends and family. :o)

Love and hugs,

Diane

Mike Golch said...

Happy Birthday Jo,I hope that you and JD have a blessed EAster.

Mountain Mama said...

I hope your Birthday was very special. I enjoyed reading your post and I am also thankful that the Lord kept you safe during the trying years.
There's more Jo. So much more joy to come.
Have a blessed Resurrection Day.
Hugs!

Laura ~Peach~ said...

Happy Birthday a bit late (i am slowly catching up with my blogger buddies!)

violetlady said...

I hope you had a happy, happy birthday!

Carole Burant said...

Happy belated Birthday, dear Jo! I'm so sorry I missed it:-( I'm so glad your family was going to celebrate it with you, I've no doubt you all had a great time:-) I loved seeing the pictures of you throughout the years and how blessed you are to be where you are today. As you say, it might have been a tough road at times but it's what makes our character and as long as we learn from it, that's all we can ask for:-) xoxo