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55+

I pounded on the bedroom sliding glass door, "Hey, you!  Watch this!"  I did it again until I got the response, "What?" Up to the grassy area I went, and with almost perfect precision I executed my 2nd round off.  My landing was a tiny more wobbly than when I did the first one out of sight at the other end of the yard.  "What are you thinking?" my husband called from the room, "You could kill yourself doing those things, don't you know your age? You are supposed to be wiser not foolish. . . "  I chuckled to myself, yea, I can still do a cartwheel or round off, after all these years, it's gotta be my strong core!. . .

I have had a good week, not as depressing as I thought.  It is somewhat odd to find yourself at the start of your senior years.  My oldest brother, of course, reminded me of the fact that I am officially now a full fledged member of AARP. Yet, I actually  feel more empowered with life.  I appreciate the goodness that God has granted me these years.  The young girl of seventeen in these photos had no idea of the adventure life had in store for her.  In fact, she would have been overwhelmed and may have never done the things she accomplished . . . just like not trying to flip a cartwheel at age 55!

Celebrations have been a plenty!  I am thankful for my girlfriends who plan surprises and dinners for me.  What a treat to see "Mrs. Unruh's show" up at Mount Baldy!  There's such joy in talking with one another, laughing together, and enjoying company. Waking up to my husband's musical card of the Star Wars theme, "a long, long time ago. . . " started my day with my first smile.  Coworkers who in their kindness took time to sing me "Happy Birthday," serve me Angel Food Cake and strawberries, along with giving cards and a beautiful planter.  It all seemed to give me even extra confidence in meeting with my patients that day.  

Coming home was the best surprise of all!  I saw his car parked out in front, as I drove into our garage.  "Hello-o-o!" I called as I came through the door.  Walking out to the kitchen, there was my son and his love, already busy at work making a birthday dinner for me!  I couldn't ask for more joy, my heart seemed ready to burst!  I was presented with a lovely yellow peach rose plant, a card of love, and a strawberry cheesecake to top it all off!  It doesn't get better than this . . . 

So, what have I learned being 55 that the girl of 17 never knew?  The joy of life is in the journey.  I was given life by a good God, who brought me here for such a time as this.  I was created to praise Him and glorify Him, that's all.  He has made me relational and given me family, along with wonderful friends to travel my days with me.  He has provided grace and mercy to give me endurance when the pain, sorrow, and disappointment of life is too much to bear.  But He brings us birthdays to remind us of our beginning.  I am thankful for the family I was born into.  Mom and Daddio were the best.  My brothers have always been there with me, we haven't ever forsaken one another.  I have a blessed family now, a husband who loves me forever, who has faithfully been there by my side, through all my antics, crises, and moods. I have a son, one who has a heart to give and love.  I have even more extended family that enrich my life beyond the smaller boundaries of family at age 17.  Yes, goodness and mercy have followed me throughout . . . and I am looking forward to the next 55 years ahead!
  
"Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
(Psalm 23:6)

     

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 7, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    Seriously:you're getting tattoos, now!
    Concerned Senior Citizen, me.

    ReplyDelete

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