04/06/2026
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Birthdays are meant to be celebrated.
My birthday was actually back in January, but an ice storm forced us to cancel—definitely not how I imagined celebrating my 40th. It was such a bummer, especially since I had won a wine tasting certificate at the Spina Bifida Association of North Texas 50-year Gala silent auction (an event that was extra meaningful to me, as I was honored for my work as the Adult Group Chairman).
It took a while to reschedule, and there weren’t any available classes until March—but I still wanted to celebrate. After all, you only turn 40 once.
When the day finally came, it was absolutely worth the wait. We did the “Tour of Italy,” tasting around six different wines, and our wine supervisor, Triston, shared so many interesting facts along the way. It turned into such a fun and memorable night.
What made it truly special, though, were the people who showed up for me.
I felt so loved being surrounded by friends who don’t see me as different or focus on my disability—they just see me. Some of them have been in my life for years—one since 3rd grade, another since 10th. Others came into my life because of spina bifida, and I’m so thankful for that connection. What started as sharing a diagnosis has grown into sharing life, in every way. And some friendships came through my kids, turning fellow moms into meaningful parts of my world.
My sister was there too—she’s been by my side for all 40 years. Through surgeries, hospital stays, hard seasons, and joyful moments, she’s been a constant.
And of course, John. He’s seen every side of me—the highs and the lows—and loves me through it all. He doesn’t see a disability; he just sees me. He supports me in every way, and I’m so grateful to walk through life with him.
This celebration may have been delayed, but it was filled with so much love, laughter, and gratitude. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
