33 today!

Sorry this is going to be a long post of just my musings today, feel free to skip!
A few weeks ago I read a Facebook post from a man who was fighting off cancer and had reached more birthdays than the doctors had predicted. He was explaining what a privilege it is to get older and how every birthday is something to truly celebrate. He was aiming to reach 40 and dreaming of a huge party. Most of us take the opposite attitude to growing older and birthdays and it certainly resonated with me. I definitely want to take his approach always. Consequently I was so happy to be turning 33 while driving to work this morning, and it also made me reflect on lovely Ben Hollioake, a cricketer who passed away suddenly in 2002 at 24 years old. I admired him as a cricket fan and it broke my heart and also shaped my attitude in my early twenties to now. It's startling to think I have surpassed his age by 9 years now. Said a prayer for his loved ones. And felt joy in something I truly believe, that we can choose to live out eternity with our Saviour in Heaven where the celebrations will be endless!
Had a lovely, lovely day celebrating my 33rd starting with cards and gifts from two lovely blippers before I left for work, a mountain of jelly beans from a sweet colleague, a fantastic celebration for Pauline's retirement and an afternoon and evening of being thoroughly spoilt. Thank you everyone, roll on 34!