May 18! I'm 54🎉🎂

As soon as I woke up this morning, I heard excited voices. Not the usual morning ones. Lovia was singing again. Uh oh. Lovia only sings when something’s up. And my roommate Sarah was already awake too—way before me!

So I sat up and thought hard… is it the dentist again?! Is it haircut day? Are we going somewhere?! Then I heard it—Lovia’s voice.

She walked into my room with a giant smile and said, "Happy Birthday, Danielle!

"WAIT. It’s MY birthday!! IT’S MYYY BIRTHDAY!!!

I’m 54 years old. FIFTY. FOUR. Can you believe it?! I wasn’t supposed to live past five, but here I am, stronger than ever, and still running the show!  Hehe!  I couldn’t wait to count to 54!

There were balloons and CAKE on the table. And not just one cake—there were three! Pizza, soda, cookies, ice cream, gifts! . I don’t know who they thought was going to eat all that food, but I was excited. My BFF Sarah was there (she is always there for me like when a new caregiver). My other BFF Becca was there too… I wasn’t gonna tell her the party hat was not her look, so I just smiled politely. They are my OGs. We have been through a lot together.  I couldn’t stop clapping and smiling. I felt so special! I went around and gave everyone a hug!

Lovia was in full party mode and Claire was running around making sure everything looked just right ( I only cared about the cake...I quietly hoped it was the signature DQ ice cream cake)! Then… MOM AND DAD CAME! The moment they walked in I couldn't contain my excitement. Don't get me wrong, I love my friends but the best gift would be going home! I had to go home with them. I was already eyeing the door. I guess I could wait a little while longer though. hehe!

Lovia lit a lot of candles! Everyone sang my fav song, the HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG and I smiled like the star of the show. It was a GOOD day!  Happy and you know it! 

After the party, I went home with Mom and Dad (score!) Mom made all my favorite meals: cereal with applesauce for breakfast, yogurt with mashed bananas for lunch and mashed potatoes with gravy for dinner. HEAVEN on earth!  I opened all my presents—one by one. Mom wrapped them separately because she knows I love tearing them open! I got brand new socks, an organ, and a giant fish pillow I can squeeze and cuddle. Then, I sat outside on my rocking chair with my favorite purple blanket. I saw Dad sipping from his coffee mug, so I started signing “DRINK”! Mom and Dad started laughing SO hard. I wasn’t sure what was funny! I took a little sip. I realized instantly this was not coffee... ew!  hehe!

We sat there rocking and laughing and I got so many calls from my family with more singing! I was so happy! I guess 54 is kind of a big deal when you weren’t even supposed to make it to 5 years old...and trust me, I'm not slowing down any time soon!  Happy Birthday to Me!  hehe!on.