Robert and Elizabeth Fowler, neighbourhood kids on a previous birthday in Wendell NH in the 1960's.
I had always felt that unabashed birthday celebrations should be reserved for those under 7 years of age. Simply managing to survive yet another 12 months had never seemed like that big a deal. Yet, I seem to recall an increasing number of days with today's date. I suppose that celebrating one's continued survival is a sort of accomplishment after all.
I admit, in at least four and a half decades, I haven't had as large a number of birthday wishes as today. Thanks to Facebook's coaxing, it's easy to mark someone's passage toward infirmity with a quick message. Sincere thanks to all of you who sent felicitations. It is truly humbling. All of this, as well as yesterday's cake from my students, have made me grateful to have lived a few more years than a half century. I think I'm coming to terms with my middle age now.