Burning Beneath

After pouring so much effort into converting my camper van—now about 80% complete—I finally took it on its first real journey: a trip to Pelee Island with my two younger boys and two dear friends. I had pushed myself hard, especially in that final week leading up to the trip, to make it happen in time to celebrate my birthday. Today, June 9th, I turn 52—and I’m proud beyond words.

At some point during the camping trip, I sat across from the fire, staring at my hands in awe. These hands built something from scratch. I built this. At this age, with all the health challenges I’ve faced, it wasn’t easy. But I conquered. And in that moment, I felt the weight of true accomplishment.

I’ve always been a goal-setter, always found ways to achieve what I set my mind to. But this… this was different. This came with pain, perseverance, patience. It reminded me: I am a woman. I am a warrior. I am a giant spirit that cannot be contained.

And then there were my boys—how beautifully they moved through that trip. They worked together, played together, rested together. I watched them rely on me and, in moments, I relied on them. The fulfillment I felt when my autistic son, who had longed to swim for weeks, finally got his wish… we swam together for nearly three hours in cold water, laughing, splashing, connected. Watching both of my boys on the paddleboard, at peace and in joy, was one of the most heart-filling things I’ve ever experienced.

To see the fruits of my labor as a mother—raising them with values, love, and respect—come alive in that setting filled me with something indescribable. This, to me, is what life is about: nurturing, achieving, exploring, and seeing dreams realized in real-time.

Today, I celebrate not just a birthday, but the incredible journey I’ve walked to reach this point. I thank the universe, God, nature—whatever beautiful force has guided me here. And I thank each of you who has taken the time to send love and birthday wishes from all corners of the world. Even if we don’t talk daily or monthly, your presence in my life, your gesture of love, means the world to me.

I love you. I see you. And I am deeply grateful.

Happy Birthday to me—and to many more years of becoming.