last year I was in the infusion center waiting for my injection. I happen to enjoy these times even though they are heavy with emotion and memory. My chemo nurses are amazing humans and I get to catch up with them on the days I need injections. New babies, marriages, babies are now talking and going to preschool...life has moved on and I get to hear all about it. Think of that. I met these ladies because I was facing death. And now I get to hear about the way life is progressing for them and their loved ones. This particular day though, my nurse was checking my date of birth for the 3rd time (if you've been there, you know!) before administering the meds. She smiled brightly and said, "hey! You will be 50 in just a few days!" I don't usually make a huge deal of my birthday so I began the obligatory noise about oh, yeah, no big deal, blah blah blah. She stopped me short! She said, "not here, you don't say that here! Here EVERY year is a gift." Boy, was she right!
This isnt about candles on cake or focusing on a number (51 today) but it IS about the fact that I have been on this planet for one more year. I have smiled, laughed, learned, cried, loved and lived for another 365 days longer than we thought I would. So yes, today we celebrate. I look back on the year and this is what I see:
- COVID wow!
- working after cancer and during covid. This still provides such joy for me!
- leaning into old friendships, intentionally deepening those roots. I am learning what it truly means to nourish relationships.
- even though it has not been enough, I have had precious moments with my niece and nephew this year. I adore them, being an auntie is such a gift!
- watching my adult children fly. They are heartbreakingly beautiful and I am amazed that I get to be here to see them learn and grow. And I get to hug them often.
- Truly learning how to grow my marriage. No marriage is perfect, but mine has gotten so much better over the last two years. I cannot imagine how life without this man would be.
- God blessed me with a new puppy. I never thought I wanted a puppy, but this boy has been a fun addition to our home. We love you IKO!
- restoring lost relationships. This is huge! Forgive always, be open to conversations. Restoration is such a blessing!
- meeting this tiny human, Oliver Lane. He made me a grandma a few months back and I cant stop looking at him, talking to him and loving him! Oh my, he is IT!
