the meaning of birthdays change as one gets older

[demtenjeep]

Today at 4:05 I turned 52. I have been pondering my mortality and purpose on life

Neither of my parents are on this earth any longer my daddy has been gone 22 years and my mom 4.

My father died at 65 of leukemia (only caught 3 months before death) so following that line of thinking, I have 13 years left.

But---my circumstances are a bit different. I have Crohns Disease.

I have Crohn's disease

-Lew Dewitt of Statler Brothers died at 52 from Crohn's related issues

I feel I am blessed to have each new day. I have had many issues related to Crohn's and almost died more than once because of Crohn's issues.

I have lived a blessed life. I have a wonderful family who would miss me when I am gone but have lived this illness with me. They see me on my good days and help me through the bad times.

I take Chemo treatments that cost over 8 grand every 5 weeks but it seems like they are becoming less effective. This cycle as been extreme let down all the last 5 weeks. I have felt bad the last two weeks and I have two weeks left until the next cycle. I am just praying I can make it to then.

I could not imagine having to deal with this without insurance.

With Crohn's disease I realize my life expectancy is years lower than others but I have accepted it and vow to do good with the life I have left.

This year on Thanksgiving My spouse and I will be serving at the local shelter where more than 1000 homeless or very low income will have a great Thanksgiving. That will be a blessing to me to be able to help just a little. We also made that our target for this month's donations.

[malaise]

1. Happy Birthday Demtenjeep

Celebrate life one day at a time. .

[demtenjeep]

3. Thank you

I try to do just that.

We live life to the fullest on the good days and my baby takes care of me on the bad! Our kids visit often and I love being a grandma! I cherish the good days.

[malaise]

4. That's the best part

Sharing it with two generations if folks who love you.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Happy Birthday. May you have many more.

[Ohiogal]

5. Happy Birthday!

Thank you for the inspiring reflections. We need more people like you in this world!

Having gone through chemo myself, I can verify that it's a travesty that we all aren't fortunate enough to have health insurance in a country like ours.

[Roland99]

6. Happy bday and know you are doing incredible work

Your kindness will be appreciated by all recipients

[Freddie]

7. Happy Birthday!

My husband has been living with Crohns for 19 years now. He just turned 60. He is now “prepping” for his biannual colonoscopy. Thankfully the house has 2 bathrooms.
Hang in there. They seem to be coming out with new treatments for Crohns all the time.

[Siwsan]

8. I learned, long ago, to accept every birthday as a gift

My dad and sister died from brain cancers (sister also had breast cancer but the brain type killed her). Mom died from Alzheimer’s. Apparently, our brains are not our friends, in this family. My older brother committed suicide - depression.

I'm learning to not panic at every headache, or lost set of keys. And when I'm in one of my 'dark' moods or serious survivor guilt trips, I try to keep at least one foot planted firmly on the ground and reach out to someone.

This will be the first year I've celebrated the holidays since 2013. What's left of my family will be getting together, not to exchange gifts but just to be together, remember and celebrate those who have passed and take joy in still having each other.

And, by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

[ProudMNDemocrat]

9. Happy Birthday...A day above ground is a good day.

Do not be so concerned with the quantity of life. Concentrate on the QUALITY of your life.

Myself, at 66, QUALITY of life is far more important. I live with my health issues too. You can do this.

[3catwoman3]

10. What thoughtful reflections you have shared.

I agree with the DUer who said we need more people like you.

[nocoincidences]

11. Many more birthdays to you!

This world needs you to stay here!

[appalachiablue]

12. Stay well and stay here, you're needed

[HockeyMom]

13. My 70th Birthday is on Thanksgiving

Might be the last time my birthday falls on it, but I am ok with that. Making dinner for just husband and I since our children are either working or visiting in-laws.

I made my peace with dying when I turned 50 and have lived longer than my family members other than Great-Grandma who was 94 when she was killed by a hit and run NYC Taxi Driver.

While I have Medicare, I do not go to doctors. My only two doctors were by OB in 1984 and my Pediatrician in 1958. My choice. My husband and children, or others, might not like my choice but it is only mine to make. Each individual has this choice to make for him or herself.

I agree with the other poster. Quality over Quantity.

[irisblue]

14. HappyBirthday.

[catbyte]

15. Happy Birthday Demtenjeep!

I'm 63, and time does pass much quicker when you're on the downside of 50. It sounds like you've got a very healthy attitude. I hope you have many, many more.

[IMG][/IMG]

[demtenjeep]

16. Thank you

I love your dog birthday saying

[denbot]

17. Happy Birthday demtenjeep

Best wishes to you and yours.

[VA_Jill]

18. Happy Birthday!

Mine's in June. I'm a bunch older than you....75 last time around, to be exact. The next day I went to a political demonstration and did something I never expected to do...got up in front of the microphone and said something. And what I started out with was, "Yesterday was my birthday. I turned 75. And I can't believe I STILL have to protest this shit!" (It was a protest against family separation, but it could have been any number of things, since everything this administration does is wrong.....

I'll tell you what I told everyone at that protest. Keep on keeping on!

[erlewyne]

19. Thank you for sharing demtenjeep

You mean a lot to me.

I had a dear uncle who had Crohn's disease. I do not know anything more
but I sure miss him. He was dear. I just had heart felt company and as we grow
older we talk more often about posterity. I want to make it to 80 (nine to go)
and too often I lose friends. I have had insurance issues and have been treated
terribly by paid for insurers. I am really touched.
My younger company just wanted to say how much I had helped him, he was
trying to say he knew I would be gone soon and just thanks. I have no control
of any of that but my 64 year old friend just wanted to say I love you.
I have no health issues except self inflicted (being an alcoholic?) But it is
touching to hear people relate my concerns about life. Just appreciate all the
persons around you. I have no animosities about any one and acknowledge that
Republicans are just stupid.

[tiredtoo]

20. Thank you for sharing this.

Not sure if this will do any good but, my daughter just suggested a show on Netflix that deals with old age and dying. Kominskys Method. I binge watched some today. An interesting and humorous look at these topics.

[True Dough]

21. Happy birthday to you!

We celebrated my wife's birthday today, even though it actually falls on Nov. 23. She also turned 52. However, she is healthy and both of her parents are still around, although her mom is struggling with advanced Parkinson's.

My genetics aren't as promising. My mom died at 64 due to lung and bone cancer. My dad has had a quadruple bypass after a major heart attack and had a secondary heart attack, fortunately not as damaging. But my mom's side has been riddled with cancer and dad's side with heart disease and strokes. Most of them didn't make it to 70, quite a few died in their early 60s.

So whatever will be, will be. Enjoy each day and good for you for volunteering at the local shelter.

[lostnfound]

22. Happy birthday and may you have many more.

We are glad you’re here.

[alwaysinasnit]

24. Wishing you a wonderful birthday (and of course, many more). A friend of mine once told me

that everyday that I wake up is a good day. Some times I have a hard time remembering that, but I keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are good person and we all need people like you in our lives.

[iluvtennis]

25. A Stevie Wonder Happy Birthday to You!

[badhair77]

26. Happy birthday! I like that you are focused on giving to others.

I really think that kindness comes back to you. Good luck with your treatments.

[Docreed2003]

27. Happy Birthday!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

[JudyM]

28. Happy birthday, and may this coming year be filled with happy surprises for you and those your love.

[Duppers]

29. Happy Birthday! 🎉🎈

Hope you feel better and can hang in there until your treatment. You and your spouse are wonderful, caring ppl for giving your time to the homeless this TG! Good on you both!!

My 72nd is coming up in days but I'm so lucky that my major problem far outshines my old age/ physical health issues so much so that I give those concerns little thought. (I dealt with my mortality years ago during a frightening episode.)

Please take care & Happy Birthday, you whippersnapper!!

😇



On edit: Btw, I've a good idea of what you dealing with and how bad you feel. My b.i.l. has Crohn's and he's older than you. 😔 Take care, dear.

[mopinko]

30. happy bday dear. carpe diem.

[Heartstrings]

31. 🎶 Happy Birthday to you....🎶

And many more.....