Three Birthday Blessings

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes, 33 seconds

Richard, All You Need Are Friends!

Before she passed away, my wife was concerned that I had many acquaintances but not many close friends. However, the three blessings have increased the number of people I call true friends, and I have developed meaningful and lasting relationships despite living alone. Whenever I leave my home, I am warmly greeted by familiar faces, acquaintances, and neighbors, all of whom I feel a strong connection to and am compelled to stop and chat with. These interactions have become a regular occurrence and an integral part of my routine, and I have to allow extra time to reach my destination. It is a testament to the deep and meaningful relationships I have built over time and the strong sense of community I am a part of.

The words that resonate within me are humility and gratitude. It is humbling to know that my friends and neighbors find me inspiring, but the truth is that they inspire me with their unwavering support and kindness. We are all connected, and the solution to life’s crises is acknowledging that we are all part of one big family—E pluribus unum.

Walking One Day at a Time Into the Future!

I open my eyes every morning with a renewed appreciation for the present moment. I take a deep breath and let my senses awaken to the world around me. The sun’s warmth on my face, the gentle breeze blowing, and the sweet melody of birds chirping outside remind me of life’s beauty and wonder.

I am filled with hope and positivity, knowing that each day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and create. I embrace the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, recognizing that I have no control over how many days and nights I have left. However, this realization doesn’t hold me back from living my life to the fullest.

I am no longer held captive by grief or sorrow, which gives me the energy and confidence to pursue my dreams and passions. I am excited about the endless possibilities and adventures that await me, whether exploring the vibrant streets of Halifax, discovering the exotic landscapes of Timbuktu, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquility of spending eternity with my beloved wife.

Life is an unpredictable voyage, full of surprises and challenges that can take us to unexpected places. However, I am ready to face each twist and turn with eagerness and a willingness to learn. I will approach every moment with a positive attitude, an open mind, and a heart full of hope and courage.


I recently turned 75 and reflected on my life on my birthday. I feel grateful for all the experiences that have shaped…

Posted by Richard W. Brown on Wednesday, April 3, 2024

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9 comments add your comment

  1. You are an incredible person! You are a new person! A better person! Jan, although not here physically, has done so much for you!

    • Danny, I am writing to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and friendship throughout the past three years. Your presence in my life has been crucial, and I cannot thank you enough for being there for me during some of my darkest moments.

      While I do not believe that I am an incredible person, I have come a long way on my journey through grief. It has been a difficult and sometimes painful journey, but I have learned much about myself and the world around me. Each lesson has been valuable, and I have taken them to heart.

      As I move forward, I am still determining what the future holds. But I know Jan is with me, and I feel her presence guiding me every step. I am proud of the person I have become, and I know that Jan would be too.

      Thank you again for all that you have done for me.

  2. Richard, I feel that I have gotten to know the better you these past three years. While we do not get to spend time with each other all that often, the occasions on which we do have that opportunity have been meaningful for me.

    Jan is proud of the man you are just as I’m sure your family and friends are.

    And, a belated happy birthday.

    • Ali, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your kind words. These past three years have been an arduous journey, and grief has been my constant companion. Yet, it has been a great teacher, pushing me to strive for more and holding me to a higher standard.

      I know I still have miles to go before finding peace of mind, but I am committed to getting there. With every step I take, I am learning to listen with my ears, embrace with my arms, and step into the future with newfound strength.

      Your friendship and support have been light during these dark times. Every time we meet, our conversations are filled with meaning, inspiring me to keep moving forward. I feel blessed to have someone like you in my life.

      Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and kind words. They mean more to me than you can ever imagine.

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The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.

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