The late August sun warms the carpet in my room.I sit listening to the sounds below me.Mom and Grandma cooking food in the kitchen.Dad putting the finishing touches on the cakeAunts, uncles, cousins, friends ringing the doorbellMy brother running to the door with hellosLoud laughter sounds throughout the houseSqueals of delight from baby Maddy’s discoveries“Come down Craig, you’re being rude,” yells Mom.It’s my birthday, I’m not being rude.I’m thanking God for the best thing in the world.The best thing in the world is this moment in my life.

Camillus, New York