Celebrating my 4th shunt-birthday

I am so happy to have another shunt birthday under my belt.  None of my previous shunts have lasted this long so this feels like a big accomplishment, although admittedly, there isn't much I do to actually "control" the longevity of the device.  Nonetheless, it felt like a great reason to enjoy the day!

My sweet team at work gave me a beautiful plant in a pot I adore and a great 4-year-old princess card - it was a total highlight!  I am so appreciative that they recognized this special day.

I celebrated my birthday tonight with my mom, my sweet cousin Jaree, my aunt Gaylyn, and my adopted aunt Judy at a cooking class I have been looking forward to attending, from my fave instructor Sara V from The Finishing School (sorry the photo turned out so blurry).  These are some of the most amazing women in my life so it was great to spend such an important evening in their company.  Thanks ladies!

Normally I find a very special present for myself to celebrate my shunt birthday, but this year decided I would honor a lady in my life that needed a tender mercy today.  A dear friend lost a woman of epic value in her life - and today I had the opportunity to attend the funeral and celebrate her life.  In her honor, my present today was purchased for V and I know she will recognize both the significance of my shunt birthday and her sweet grandma as she enjoys this special gift.  Love ya gal. (photo from the funeral today with V and D - also my travel companions from my recent trip to San Francisco)

At the close of a great day, I am so grateful for the following:

• Of course, a functioning Medtronic shunt (how's that for product placement?!).
• Family and friends who celebrate my successes with me, but will also be there to pick up the pieces of my life when this shunt inevitably fails and I am helpless again.  I am truly very blessed to be surrounded by a host of incredible family and friends.
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life to assure me that in the face of adversity, whether it be shunt failure, major life changes, or simply a bad day, Sunday will come and through the life of the Savior of the World, I can have peace.

Here's looking forward to the 5th shunt birthday....it's going to be an even bigger celebration next time...I'm thinking it will involve running away to some fantastic location for a getaway.  Until then, be healthy!