Wow…44 years old today!  Part of me is slightly in disbelief…and another part of me thinks ‘well that was easy’.  Perhaps this is the mid-life crisis syndrome paradox starting to take shape, ha ha ha…not likely.  The thing about birthdays is that it’s an opportunity to reflect and take stock of your life…so in commemoration of my 44th birthday here are the 44 people, memories and events I thought about today that make my life so awesome and extraordinary.

  1. My lovely wife and companion.
  2. My beautiful daughter and her passion for excellence.
  3. My handsome son and his infectious laughter.
  4. My ancestors who watch over me…and occasionally reveal themselves.
  5. My father who called this morning.
  6. A brother who loves his little girls so much that it hurts.
  7. Two sisters liv’n the good life in Arizona – love you both so very much!
  8. Breaching 200km/hr on my V-Max.
  9. Bill – an elder and tribal leader, and my dear friend.
  10. A wall full of art and creations from my little ones.
  11. My mother-in-law who loves my novel – I think she is the only one.
  12. The two days of parties and celebrations with friends and family – getting married 1999.
  13. All my FaceBook peeps wishing me Happy Birthday!
  14. A sister-in-law who always has a story to tell.
  15. Lyp-Sync Champions to MJ’s “Beat It” with Nathan and Ryan – absolutely EPIC!
  16. The 90 or so people whose vocational careers I help launch with my colleagues at STEP last year.
  17. Walking in tall grass with Grizzly Bears @ Orford River.
  18. Dave, Leslie and Mari – luv you.
  19. Working with the Malahat Nation leadership and people.
  20. My aunt and uncle and their missionary work in India building schools for girls…inspirational!
  21. The Recalma Potlatch, being named and working with Chief Adam Dick.
  22. Zed and Chopper…R.I.P
  23. Drink’n Bacardi 1873 with my brotha Mike back in the day.
  24. Anthony…Parenting 101.
  25. All my nieces and nephews – loads of laughter and smiles!
  26. Marlin Fishing off the Baja Coast with Ernie and Bonnie.
  27. Tequila in a Dixie cup – McIvor Lake, Summer of ’85.
  28. A brother-in-law and his lovely wife…Slàinte mhòr agad!
  29. The journey to receive our daughter (Oct 2010) and son (Feb 2012) in China…and every day since!
  30. All the wonderful couples we shared adoption journeys with, and who are now part of our much loved extended families.
  31. Learning to throw pizza dough at Gandalf’s Pizzeria.
  32. No. 5 Orange & Motley Crew – Expo ’86.
  33. Chester, Reg, John, George and Fred – 5 men who helped me understand the value of hard work.
  34. Kim, Donna, Debbie, Laura and Tannis – 5 women who helped me be a better man.
  35. More than a few good times in Vegas with friends.
  36. Skipping school and fishing the Campbell River with Ryan.
  37. All kinds of debauchery with Roger and Darren way back.
  38. Smok’n weed and playing Minefield with Mark, and talk’n about girls…92/93.
  39. Nathan and Ana’s wedding…and exploring Brazil.
  40. Volunteering at Half-the-Sky orphanages in China, and meeting some very incredible people.
  41. Publishing my first book, yay!
  42. My fathers sisters who saved his life, and rallied around us with love, support and generosity.
  43. My iPhone 4S.
  44. All my super powers…believe!

Birthday Cake by Katie, Alex and Mom – Thank you!

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Lawrence Lewis

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” – Oprah Winfrey

About Lawrence Lewis

I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂