birthdays, swine flu, natural remedies, pizza, feeling blue - then a little rosey

Today is my birthday. I'm 41. Happy Birthday to Me. My day started at 2 a.m. to comfort one child who woke up miserable and chastise another for still being awake. I couldn't get back to sleep so laid awake reflecting on my past year- until about 3 am. I was up again at 5:45 - to help Megan get out the door for seminary then get ready for another long day at work. Two of my co-workers have been out sick all week making for very long and exhausting days. I came home at lunch time to check on Caylin who has been home sick since Tuesday. (She was unofficially diagnosed with the swine flu from one of our patients who is a nurse practitioner.)
Just before I left for work the phone rang - it was Ryan.
I asked, "What's wrong? Are you sick too?"
He said, "No, Mom. I just called to say 'Happy Birthday'. You worry too much."
I went to work, ran home at lunch time to check on Caylin and have a bowl of cereal.
I finally got home at 6:45 - I sent Kyle and Megan out to pick up pizza, took Caylin's temp. again (finally down - that ginger bath this morning must have helped), went out to get the mail that hasn't been checked in a few days. It was full - ads, bills, and birthday cards. I checked the phone messages -several birthday wishes; I checked my email - many happy birthday wishes.
We sat down and ate pizza - even Caylin had a couple of bites (while her feet were soaking in a garlic foot bath!) We even had a good laugh - I don't remember what we were laughing about, but it was welcome and cleansing.
I've been feeling like sitting down and crying for a couple of days from sheer exhaustion - so now I just might - but a few tears of gratitude! It's been a tough week. Jeff's been out of town all week, and with Caylin sick and the extra time at work, I've been feeling emotionally spent and physically run down - and just a bit like Eyeore. I've resisted feelings of guilt while working long days knowing my baby is at home feeling miserable. I even missed Megan's XC district finals...
But enough wallowing in a sleep deprived state of self pity - it's all relative - I really have so much to be thankful for.
So yes, I do feel older today than I did yesterday - but a few extra hours of sleep, a little hair color to cover those grays, and a little perspective can fix that! I'm looking forward to another year with challenges, adventures, and blessings - and I'm grateful for "each life that touches [mine] for good".