I wake up in the utter silence of predawn – a time before birdsong, with the light from the street lamp compressed by the fog in this still morning.

My birthday.

I think of the friends I have lost – three of my closest friends, two of whom I have outlived in years.

As the birds begin to waken, bringing life to the hushed world, I count my blessings.

Waking up.

Parents who are alive and in good health.

A devoted and loving husband.

Five kids that are my pride and joy, who love me despite my frailty and failings – three I gave birth to, others whom were born in my heart.

Eight grandchildren, loved by me with a fierce protectiveness I didn’t know was possible.

Freedom. Peace. I pray for my dear daughter in loves family in Ukraine. For my lost country here.

My dog padded into the living room with me. I’m grateful for the canines who make me laugh, keep me company, sense my needs.

Today I will savor the day. I will go to the Gulf of Mexico and walk the powder soft white sands, hand in hand with my beloved, and listen to the waves. The gulls. Chase the pipers. Observe the slow, swirling clouds.

It is good to be alive.