Honestly…|an honest take on the world of PR and other things by Cindy Ronzoni

Actual Birthday Cake

Well as another birthday comes and goes, I felt I would be remiss if I didn’t write about a revelation I had yesterday as I as I got ready for a fancy birthday dinner hosted by my friends. I have a relatively small nuclear family and most of my relatives live out of the state and with being single and all, friends do become a major part of your life. And as I got ready for my dinner, I remembered back to how many birthdays I have spent with these particular friends. Year in and year out they have stopped their plans for the night of August 4 to either come to my house or my mom’s to wish me a happy birthday.

As I pondered this thought I realized that I couldn’t come up with an exact number. It may even be around 20! How lucky am I. But, then I had another thought. Do I take their friendship and others for granted?

Special Birthday Dinner (l-to-r: Mom, Me, Carla, Pam)

I am a blessed person…I have complaints and struggles…but for the most part as a whole I REALLY have nothing to complain about. Among my fortunes, my biggest are my friends. (Please note that I am not writing this as a form of boasting, it’s meant in gratitude.)

Since I love to communicate, either in spoken or written word, it’s been easy for me to stay in contact. So that’s probably why I still connect with friends from my childhood to my last co-workers. Facebook helps me stay in touch too.

But, going back to my original question-do I take them for granted? Probably yes in that I don’t give this enough thought. And no, because I never want to.

My daily successes in life have come as a result of my family and friends. I know it, but I don’t know if they know it. I wish there was a way besides this post to let them know how much they each mean to me. Everyone has been an influence in my life and each are as diverse as the next. I have friends that I’ve met through church, sports, jobs, school, friends, etc. as you do. From every walk of my life.

As I pondered this thought even more, I’ve realized that everything I do has been learned or improved through a friend. I learned how to set up my blog through a friend. I’ve learned different tennis strokes through a friend. I learned how to garden through a friend. My house was decorated by my friends. I’ve gained self-esteem through the love of a friend. I understand God through friends. I could go on and on.

As such, God has given me the proper mix of friends and for that I am so thankful. A counselor once told me, that God will give you the tools you need to get through life. Sometimes it’s a book you’ve read, but most often it’s a note, a visit or a phone call from a friend that helps you get through.

I would love to list the names of each of you, but I hope you know who you are. I am eternally grateful to you for the time we’ve spent or spend together and hope you know that’s the best present by far. As I write this, I have tears in my eyes for I wish I could tell you this in person about how much you mean to me- Today and always.

But there’s another person whom I must properly acknowledge and thank for everything. And that’s my mom. Most likely if you know me you know my mom. I cannot find the right words to convey what she means to me and what she’s done for me my um 29+ years. And if you are a friend, then she’s probably been there for you too. She loves people and it shows. She doesn’t judge them. She accepts them and always gives everyone a hug. But, that’s not why I love her. It’s that she’s been the one teaching me how to love you and others. And if I ever have the good fortune of getting married, she’s shown me what true love is. I was able to observe how she cared for my dad through the end. You see, everything my mom does exudes love. Her love runs deep and you know its real.

Here’s a photo of me and my mom taken last weekend. One of my birthday traditions is spending a day at my favorite lake. It’s usually me, my mom and my best friend Carla. Sometimes a few others have joined, but it’s mostly us three. Mom doesn’t want this posted, so I cropped it the best I could. I love this photo of us, but there’s something you aren’t seeing. She’s holding my hand. Does it get any better than that!

So my dear friends I’ve hoped I have been able to convey my deep respect and sincere gratitude to you for all that you have done for me. You mean the world to me and thank you for holding my hand through the years! Thank you for showing me how not to take birthdays for granted.

With love,

Cindy