Countdown to 30 - 2008 - Today!

I was born on December 16th, 1978. For the 30 days leading up to my birthday, I'll be posting (mostly) pictures and (a few) stories about the years gone by.  For a look at all of the pictures in order - check THIS out.
Well, today is the day that I've been looking forward to!  Today I am 30.  (For the record, today is also Anny's birthday, she is just a little more shy than I am.)

I remembered something this weekend that might clue me in to why I'm making such a big deal out of this birthday.  I mean, really, 30 is not 16 (driving), 18 (smokes), 21 (alcahol) or even 50.  It's just 30.  It just kind of falls into a time where there are not other celebrations.

What is great about being able to celebrate 30 is that I was told by a doctor that I would not make it this far without dialysis, and would need a new kidney by 35.  (You can read about that HERE.)  I have been assured by my current nephrologist that I am indeed alive and well, though maybe a little bit overweight.  In other words - I should not be here, according to that doctor. 
 
When people say that they're "reminded that they need to be thankful" my response is typically "I'm thankful every day that I'm alive."  I really do live my life that way, and that is perhaps a key to why my health has not gotten as bad as that doctor beleived it would.  I'm thankful for life.  I'm thankful for my wife and daughter. I'm thankful for all of my friends.  I'm thankful every single day. 
 
I pray that I see 40.  And 50.  And 60.  I don't know that I want to see 90, but medicine might try to keep me going that far!  (Silly doctors)
 
To complete my 30 day project of pictures, I will close with the best pictures I can find of me from the last 12 months. 
 
Here is a shot of me and my two favorite girls blowing out the candle on Abby's First Birthday cake.

 
This is one of my favorite pictures of me.  Ever.  This reminds me of the incredible trip to take Abby to the beach.  She had an amazing time, and it was awesome for me as a parent to see her learn about everything around her.  Each step on the sand was completely new.  I have never appreciated the ocean the same way I have gotten to since we've taken Abby.


It's been fun looking back at pictures and remembering stories from the last 30 years, but I miss writing real blog posts.  A lot has happened in the last month, so I've got a lot to catch up on!
fat cow