Well, tomorrow is the big day – 50. Since I am the youngest of my clan, I am not entering a new decade that you haven’t already entered and maybe even already passed through. But, it is a new one for me.
I have been thinking back over this past year and quite honestly, it hasn’t been all that great. I was ill for most of my 49th year and am just now beginning to understand just how badly I really felt. If I stop with that comment, it seems a little depressing, so I won’t stop there.
I am more than grateful that I am where I am today versus where I could be if the diagnosis had come back differently. The past two months have given me pause to reflect on many things. I would like to share them with you. I am grateful for these things:
- A God who loves me in a way that I will never truly comprehend.
- A husband who loves and supports me even when I am grumpy from not feeling well. Who encourages me to take each day at a time and to not look back into the “what if’s and if only’s”. I love his “let’s take it from here and handle one day at a time” attitude. Where would I be without you?
- A daughter who brightens my day with her love and concern for my well-being. My best girl-friend and a gift beyond mere words.
- A son-in-law who is more like a son - whose encouragement and love go far beyond words that I could express. Your love for my daughter touches the depths of my heart.
- A Father who called one night and asked “how is my baby tonight?” That tender endearment touched my heart. Thanks, Daddy. Yours and Verna Mae’s phone calls were appreciated very much!
- My siblings who have encouraged me through all this. I’m glad we are staying more in touch through this Blog world than ever before. And, I feel like I am getting to know you on a different level than ever before.
- Gail’s family – for their love and support through these past difficult months.
- My closest friends, who are more like family than you know.
As I look over this very short list, and believe me, I could go on and on and on but I will spare you, I think that maybe this past year hasn’t been as bad as I originally thought. This illness has brought to my attention all that I have to grateful for, and there is so much more that could be added.
I once read that attitude is everything and I am inclined to believe it now more than ever. So maybe 49 wasn’t so bad and I look forward to 50 and all this new year/decade will have to offer. I hope and pray that as I continue on life’s road that I will never stop learning from those around me, that I will be just a bit kinder to those who are less fortunate than I, that I can help to carry the load of someone who needs it, that I leave those I meet with encouragement and hope, that I learn to love a little deeper and treasure the important things in life.
4 comments:
Your post reminds me of Queen Eliz. II when she made a speech in 1992 on the anniversary of her 40th year as queen--she called it her "Annus horribilis"--meaning horrible year. She was alluding to all the awful things in her family life.
Compared to her troubles, you have counted your blessings, and indicated you have more uncounted. Maybe, after all you had an "annus mirabilis"="year of wonders".
I may not be the first to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY--but I am near the head of the line1
LOVE YOU MUCH!
The Dilbert cartoon for your 50th birthday (June 8, 2007) reads:
Dilbert to another employee: "Happy Birthday. Waht's it feel like to be 50?" The employee answers: It's great! I've never felt better in my entire life!" Dilbert: "So it's sort of a delusional thing." Employee: "Yes, luckily."
Well they're wrong! I can laugh at the cartoon, but I know that 50 is good, perhaps all the better when 49 has had the kind of bumps that you've experienced. Lots of love from Lois and me to you (and to Gail and Leah and Ben)!
You changed your blog look--again. Well, I give up. I try to keep up with reading; now I have to keep up with appearances.
HOPE your b-day was HAPPY.
So, how does 50 feel? I hope better than 49!
I love you, mom! Your post touched my heart. : )
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