Happy Birthday to Gladys!

Today is my mother-in-law's 70th birthday. It has been two years since she suffered a stroke, so we are all very pleased and grateful that she has reached this milestone.

As a tax accountant, many birthdays have come and gone as she has sat at her desk, consumed by the paperwork confronting her. She would stay up very late at night so she could start with a clean desk every morning. Her fast turn-around with tax returns and quick mind amazed many, until some came to expect and even demand it of her. Just days before her 68th birthday, the pressure of tax season was too much as she suffered a stroke, related to high blood pressure.

Fortunately, the stroke didn't impact her cognitive skills at all. She is as sharp as ever. Physically, however, it has taken a toll on her body, but she has recovered with incredible perseverance. She has some remaining weakness in her left side, especially in her left hand, but she is still doing some tax returns (we're trying to help her cut back) and getting around very well.

So, tomorrow, we will gather as a family and celebrate her birthday, as well as the birth of her son (my brother-in-law) Greg and Greg's son Adam (our nephew). Gladys was born on April 2, and gave birth to Greg the day after her birthday--Greg's son Adam was also born on April 3.

So, as we near the end of tax season, we'll take some time out for an early celebration. We'll thank God for life--70 years for Gladys, 37 for Greg, and 15 for Adam.

I love a party, especially birthday parties. Thank you God, for life!

Till next time,


Suzi