Braced for Impact: A Birthday to Remember

I turned 20 on May 27th — and like most milestones in my life, it didn’t quite go as planned.

Let’s start with the facts:

• I had a leg brace.

• I had a sad doctor’s appointment.

• My bathroom flooded.

Yes, on my birthday.

Instead of beach walks or feeling sparkly and put-together, I hobbled into my ortho's office, hoping for good news and leaving with a harsh reminder that recovery takes time. Later, I came home to find water where water shouldn’t be, and suddenly I was standing in my least favorite birthday surprise: a puddle.

But somewhere between the bad news and the wet socks, something lovely still happened.

My friends showed up for me.

There was cake.

There was laughter, warmth, and a sense that even when things fall apart (or swell up), there’s still something to celebrate.

This year, I didn’t blow out candles and wish to run fast or wear heels again. I wished for strength — the kind that doesn’t come from muscle, but from knowing I can weather setbacks and still feel loved, still feel whole.

So no, 20 didn’t come in quietly or gracefully. But it came with reminders I needed:

That I’m not alone.

That healing isn’t linear.

And that sometimes, cake really does make everything feel a little better.

Here’s to being 20 — and finding joy, even in a leg brace.