Monday, October 7th was my 55th birthday. I awoke feeling a wee bit melancholy. I longed for my mother and Walter, wishing I could talk to them, to hold them in my arms. I decided to take flowers to the cemetery and reflect on memories of them, of what has transpired since their passing, Mom in 2005 and Walter in 2019. Those thoughts helped lift the melancholy and filled my soul with such gratitude for what has transpired over the years.
When I returned home, I went through the multitude of
messages on my social media, in my emails, and through text messages. Each name I saw, I’d reminisce on moments
shared and how they fit into this life of mine - from the past, the present, through
acquaintances, or are family. My heart
filled with emotions, such love and appreciation.
There are more years behind me now than there are ahead. Looking at the years gone by, there's been good. There’s been bad. There's been happy. There’s been sad. From the highs to the lows
and back. I look at the constants throughout. Family. Friends. Love. Support.
Laughter and tears. Welcoming the new, and tearful goodbyes. Watching my
children grow up to become such wonderful men. And holding precious grandchildren
in my arms.
It may not be a life exciting enough to be worthy of a
movie, but damn, I am happy to own my story. Those years not only made me who I
am but allowed me to accrue beautiful memories and fill my life with wonderful
people.
I don’t quite know how many chapters I have left, nor what
happens in my story. But what I do know is
that between now and the last page, I plan to fill each page with as much vim,
vigor and vitality as I can.
Cheers to 55!
