Growing up in "corn country" Illinois, the warm, summer nights would be teeming with brilliant stars and the moon always seemed so big.  I was about 6 or 7 years old and I remember me and my brothers catching fireflies and laying on the soft grass just staring up at the night sky.  Life seemed to be so carefree back then and time seemed to stand still.  As I grow older, there are more responsibilities, deadlines and appointments and there never seems to be enough time. 

I need to take the time to gaze at the night sky, revert back to my childhood days and remember what is most important in life:  spending quality time with myself, my family and my friends.  That carefree little girl in me is still waiting for me to stop taking life so seriously.  She wants me to let go, laugh more and not worry so much.  To continue to build fond memories of beautiful starry nights with those whom I love.

I celebrate life when I gaze at my son Ian, my little miracle baby.  I'm in awe that I've been given the blessed opportunity to bring a beautiful life into this wonderful world.  The fact that I have been honored with the responsibility to nurture and guide his heart and spirit astounds me. 

I celebrate life by laughing with my friends and family.  These times are to be cherished because we're never guaranteed the next day, hour, minute.  Celebrate life now while our loved ones are here in our grasp to hug, love, and kiss.  Say the words that need to be said to celebrate the deep connections that life has given each one of us.