As a family we have been, are, and will be celebrating many milestone birthdays and events.

We have celebrated 25th, 30th, 40th, 70th and 80th birthdays over the past two years. Tomorrow is a 40th in the family, with another 40th and a 70th in July. Next year we have a 30th and 60th birthday as well as our 20th anniversary.

So many times these events have such negative connotations. From “Over the Hill” decor to cards making fun of upcoming medical procedures, you rarely see a positive association with these birthdays. With anniversaries people joke you get less jail time for certain crimes than the anniversary being celebrated.

We’ve decided to embrace the milestones coming up for us in the next year. Sure, we’ve been married a long time. But, look at what we’ve done. We’ve built a family, moved, built houses, traveled, laughed, cried, battled bed bugs (and won!), and have so much more to look forward to.

As a 60th birthday lurks for my husband, rather than seeing it as being old, I hope he sees it as a moment to pause,  be thankful, and celebrate all that has happened in 60 years and all that is yet to come. Yes, there will be jokes about creaky knees – but hopefully the day will not be met with trepidation, but with joy.

Bring on the milestones, let’s celebrate!