Birthday Reflections

In general I hate observing my birthday and at my age I would much prefer to pretend it wasn't happening at all - it's hard being 39 over and over again. Also, by nature, I would rather give than receive gifts or be the center of attention. Today two of the best gifts I received were birthday wishes from my two daughters with plans to get together to observe my birthday over the weekend. And this morning, the boyfriend greeted me with two cards - one serious and one not - and beautiful flowers. Tonight after work I will be joining the boyfriend and a group of "the usual suspects" at a Thai restaurant for a birthday get together (this is a regular ritual among our gay circle of friends in Hampton). I'm sure it will be a fun and crazy event.

*

A great deal has happened since this time last year. I am now in a wonderful relationship that was just beginning a year ago and now have moved in with the boyfriend - who treats me better than any spouse/partner I have ever had. Financially, things remain a struggle - especially with the constant court nastiness with my former wife - but the firm has survived while many real estate operations have been forced to close.

*

Meanwhile, my circle of friends has continued to grow and through this blog and other advocacy activities I hope I am helping to make a difference for others in the LGBT community.