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A Birthday of Rest and Unexpected Blessings
Fan Mail
Gratitude overwhelms me as I reflect on my recent birthday celebration. This year wasn't about extravagant parties or elaborate gifts—it was about appreciating life's most precious blessings: family, friendship, and the simple gift of rest.
The soundtrack to my special day remains the hauntingly beautiful composition created for me in 2013 by my talented friend Alessandro Porcella. His piece, "Regina Happy Birthday Gin," carries me through each birthday with both melancholy and joy, reminding me of past struggles and present blessings. Having lost my pastor who would sing to me each year, Alessandro's musical gift has become an annual tradition that soothes my soul.
My family showed up in ways that deeply touched my heart—brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews all reaching out to ensure I felt loved and remembered. Sometimes we worry about being forgotten, but their thoughtful gestures proved otherwise. Equally moving were the friends who went above and beyond with their generosity, from dinner offerings to surprising financial gifts. What struck me most was how many of these blessings came when I was simply trying to encourage others—a beautiful reminder that kindness often returns to us in unexpected ways.
Perhaps the greatest gift I gave myself this birthday was permission to rest. In our constantly moving world, choosing stillness can feel revolutionary, but it was exactly what my body and spirit needed. Through it all, I remained mindful of life's most fundamental blessings—health, strength, and another year of experiences. While I'll always miss my sister Lora's, who was my rock, I carry her memory forward in celebration of each new year I'm given.
Want to hear the beautiful composition that makes each birthday special? Search "Regina Happy Birthday Gin" on YouTube and experience Alessandro Porcella's musical genius. And if you'd like to connect, reach out to me at [email protected] —I'd love to hear from you!
A message from me to all my wonderful followers. Please feel free to share your feedback. Click fan mail and leave me comments.
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By Regina SwarnFan Mail
Gratitude overwhelms me as I reflect on my recent birthday celebration. This year wasn't about extravagant parties or elaborate gifts—it was about appreciating life's most precious blessings: family, friendship, and the simple gift of rest.
The soundtrack to my special day remains the hauntingly beautiful composition created for me in 2013 by my talented friend Alessandro Porcella. His piece, "Regina Happy Birthday Gin," carries me through each birthday with both melancholy and joy, reminding me of past struggles and present blessings. Having lost my pastor who would sing to me each year, Alessandro's musical gift has become an annual tradition that soothes my soul.
My family showed up in ways that deeply touched my heart—brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews all reaching out to ensure I felt loved and remembered. Sometimes we worry about being forgotten, but their thoughtful gestures proved otherwise. Equally moving were the friends who went above and beyond with their generosity, from dinner offerings to surprising financial gifts. What struck me most was how many of these blessings came when I was simply trying to encourage others—a beautiful reminder that kindness often returns to us in unexpected ways.
Perhaps the greatest gift I gave myself this birthday was permission to rest. In our constantly moving world, choosing stillness can feel revolutionary, but it was exactly what my body and spirit needed. Through it all, I remained mindful of life's most fundamental blessings—health, strength, and another year of experiences. While I'll always miss my sister Lora's, who was my rock, I carry her memory forward in celebration of each new year I'm given.
Want to hear the beautiful composition that makes each birthday special? Search "Regina Happy Birthday Gin" on YouTube and experience Alessandro Porcella's musical genius. And if you'd like to connect, reach out to me at [email protected] —I'd love to hear from you!
A message from me to all my wonderful followers. Please feel free to share your feedback. Click fan mail and leave me comments.
My podcast host
Support the show
Contact
[email protected]