51

I’m sitting here at the kitchen counter, looking around and just thinking. It’s my birthday, the first one I’ve had without the woman who actually went through the pain of birthing me. That’s sort of a weird feeling.

Just to my left is a clock Kathy bought me when we lost the Secretary of State race in 2008 that said “Rick Dancer for Secretary of State 2008.” The battery is dead on the clock so it no longer works. I find that very appropriate right now.

Jess just came down stairs and wished me a happy birthday. Kathy came straight out of our bedroom with a birthday kiss. There is a present sitting in front of her. I already guessed what it is but not which kind. (A camera so you’ll be seeing more of us on here. I lost my other one last Christmas in the snow while looking for a Christmas tree)

The hay field next door was just cut so the birds are going wild. My cat is out hunting in the commotion for field mice left homeless by the tractor and my coffee cup is empty.

As I look at my Face Book Page I can’t help but smile. How many birthday wishes can you folks give me. Overwhelmed, you bet.

I thank you all for your friendship and for taking time to read the thoughts that haunt and taunt my mind throughout the day.

I could not have planned my life any better. I would never have thought to weave this kind of adventure into my story. 51 years and what is turning out to be one heck of a life. God, thank you. I wouldn’t change a thing.

2 Comments

• 
  Becky June 30, 2010 at 8:21 am

  Rick, Hope You had a GREAT Birthday and a good interveiw also. WE had a fantastic day at the park with our Andres and Matthew friends and family get-together. Laughing, playing, hugging, eating juicy, sassy pickles and lunches, perfect weather and beautiful friendships rekindled, doesn't get much better. It was a beautiful day, blessed my our Lord Jesus. I read your kind encourgaing letter to the boys and the group and many were moved to warm tears. The boys thought it was really cool. Andres doesn't have computer access, but I will help him at school once the school year starts, which will be soon enough. Matt's Grandma Hilda will help Matt find your page online and might be contacting you. We took lots of pictures and she may be sharing these too. Andres will be spending the day with Matthew at Grandma and Pa's so maybe the two will get on computer then with Grandma. As supportive grandparents go, Matt's are the cream of the crop. They are amazing with him. Matthew has a cell phone now so I am sure he will be calling Andres a lot and Andres's parents are very supportive of him being in Matt's life. Bowling event may be happening while Matt's here, he leaves end of July. I may give a call if we do it. Have a GREAT 51st year. Becky
• 
  Becky June 30, 2010 at 10:21 am

  Rick, Hope You had a GREAT Birthday and a good interveiw also. WE had a fantastic day at the park with our Andres and Matthew friends and family get-together. Laughing, playing, hugging, eating juicy, sassy pickles and lunches, perfect weather and beautiful friendships rekindled, doesn't get much better. It was a beautiful day, blessed my our Lord Jesus. I read your kind encourgaing letter to the boys and the group and many were moved to warm tears. The boys thought it was really cool. Andres doesn't have computer access, but I will help him at school once the school year starts, which will be soon enough. Matt's Grandma Hilda will help Matt find your page online and might be contacting you. We took lots of pictures and she may be sharing these too. Andres will be spending the day with Matthew at Grandma and Pa's so maybe the two will get on computer then with Grandma. As supportive grandparents go, Matt's are the cream of the crop. They are amazing with him. Matthew has a cell phone now so I am sure he will be calling Andres a lot and Andres's parents are very supportive of him being in Matt's life. Bowling event may be happening while Matt's here, he leaves end of July. I may give a call if we do it. Have a GREAT 51st year. Becky