Celebrating a Joyous "Birthweek"

I know we each get one day per year to celebrate our birth. But last week, I received so many wonderful surprises, joyous blessings, and reminders of love and friendship for my birthday, the party stretched far beyond a a single day…this year, I definitely feel like I celebrated a "birthweek"! And I'm still feeling overwhelmed with gratitude and humility by the many kindnesses I've been shown—almost too many to count.

I enjoyed several dinners and lunches with family and friends this week, which are always highlights: great food, great conversations, great connections. But beyond the traditional celebrations, this "birthweek" included some extraordinary surprises: I received the most gorgeous 6"x 6" album made for me by the 2013 incentive trip earners. I literally had tears of joy as I turned each page. So many cruisers had written sweet personal notes to accompany their layout, and I will treasure every photo, every comment.

But the cruisers weren't done surprising me yet: I received a check for $800—donations from the cruisers all to benefit Operation Smile. Well, that really pushed me over the top. Many know that Operation Smile means the world to me and I am absolutely committed to using our strength at Close To My Heart to benefit children's lives through the miracle of cleft palate/cleft lip surgery. This donation means that three children will get a beautiful smile and even more importantly, a chance at LIFE. I thank those of you who contributed to this fund—and those of you who are always working to support Operation Smile—from the bottom of my heart.

Later in the week, the VPs brought in two brimming full, huge postal-service boxes overflowing with cards. I was stunned. I've never seen anything like this: hundreds of cards from hundreds of Consultants. All handmade, for every possible occasion: birthdays, holidays, sympathy, babies, weddings. Many of the cards included business cards or post-it notes with handwritten birthday wishes from Consultants I know so well and others who I didn't know before but who have officially written their names on my heart.

What a sneaky (and wonderful!) gift. Apparently, weeks ago, the vice presidents organized a "card stash" party for my birthday—they know I'm ALWAYS looking for a perfect card for this or that and I don't have time to make my own! And the cards have been pouring in from the best Consultants on earth, accumulating for my birthday. Well, let me tell you: I LOVE THEM. As I reviewed the cards at home, the one thing that was consistent was the beauty of the work and the care in the craftsmanship. I was so touched that so many of you would take the time, great effort, and have the generosity to share your great gifts with me.

Thank you, thank you, dear friends for making this a week to remember. I love you all and am so grateful to have you in my life!