Phoenix: Live Love Laugh

Birthdays: A Battle and a Blessing

This morning, I received an unexpected email from Victoria’s Secret wishing me a Happy Half Birthday. It made me smile. Most people who truly know me understand that birthdays have always been a big deal for me—and honestly, they should be for everyone. Maybe I’m not the norm. I’ve always lived outside the box.

For me, my birthday means the world. It’s a celebration of life itself—because even before I made my entrance into this world, Satan was determined that I wouldn’t survive the journey. But God, who knew the plans He had for me, said otherwise.

My official due date was December 5th. But for some reason, my mother’s water never broke. It wasn’t until December 16th that a courageous doctor (thank God for those olden-day doctors!) decided to intervene and manually rupture the amniotic sac. Out I came: a tiny, blue, silent baby—not breathing, not crying. I was rushed into an incubator, fighting for every breath until finally, sound and air filled my lungs.

Since that day, I’ve been escaping death’s grip again and again. Satan may have tried, but I am a child of God. No matter how many times he tries to blow out my light, God faithfully reignites it, brighter than before.

Fast forward to today—seeing that email reminded me of something important. Last year, for my birthday—my personal “New Year,” the time I reflect on my past, present, and future—I was blessed to be cruising the seas with my best friend. It was joyful. This year, however, I made no grand plans. Fear held me back—fear of sickle cell, fear of unexpected surgeries. Ever since I turned 40, this disease has become more unpredictable than ever.

I think back to 2017—when I celebrated my 45th birthday exactly one month after undergoing shoulder replacement surgery. I still found a reason to celebrate.

And I will again.

Because every birthday is not just a date—it’s a declaration:
I am still here. I am still standing. And God’s plans for me are still unfolding.

After leaving North Carolina I headed back to Virginia to celebrate with a home style cooking dinner.

A Birthday Mindset: Six Months to Celebrate

Last year, for my 46th birthday, I was cruising on the deep blue sea—feeling free, alive, and thankful. Despite the surgeries, the medical bills, the unpredictable twists of sickle cell disease, I was determined not to let anything stand in the way of celebrating my life. Birthdays mean everything to me, and I refuse to let fear rob me of that joy.

I’ve always loved traveling and cruising. Even though I’ve had to slow down a bit over the last five years, I still manage to sneak in a new adventure, a new destination, or a fresh experience each year. It’s my personal tradition—my way of saying, “I’m still living, still dreaming.”

So when Victoria’s Secret reminded me this morning that I have six months to go until my next birthday, it stirred something inside me. Honestly, I’d rather have a whole year to plan, but life hasn’t made that easy lately. These past five years have been tough—really tough.

Still, the dreamer in me is thinking… maybe this year, it’s California.
San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge.
I’m letting the idea simmer in my heart, trusting that God will roll out the next steps—just like He always has.

Here’s to six months of hope, planning, and keeping the spirit of celebration alive.