My cactus is flowering for the 1st time in 12 yrs. Is that normal? Is it in trouble? It drops it's buds quick.

Question:My cactus is 12 yrs. old and potted. It's 4 ft. tall and is 2-3 inches in diameter with 1-2 inch thorns. It last sprouted 2 yrs. ago. For the 1st time, it's growing flowers, and I'm afraid it's dying. The stalks and buds bloom once at night, shrivel, then fall off. My 'baby' is important to me and I wanna make sure she's OK. Thanks!

Answers:
All cacti bloom and this is normal. It just takes the right circumstances for some of them to set bud. The flowers don't last long before they die and fall off. I'd say your baby just got everything it needed in the right proportions and it's giving you show. Shouldn't have to worry.