Turning 50 has had me thinking a lot lately. Mostly about the advice I have received regarding this monumental birthday. It is best summed up this way "It's all about you!" Which really got me thinking. A lot. Is it REALLY all about me? I'm just not feeling it. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE a good party and I didn't miss the chance to celebrate on my actual birthday. More like total opposite. I celebrated. BIG!
If my birthday is not all about me, who or what is it really about? For a long time, I have understood that our birthdays are really for the people around us. A day to celebrate us being in their lives. For me, that would specifically be my Mom and this year more than ever. To me my birthday is really about not just being loved on but loving, understanding and appreciating my Mom. Her sacrifice, our relationship and her faithful commitment to her family. I'm her only daughter and her baby. {Dear Brothers, I promise I have not used that advantage.}She gave me her beauty, her brains and her varicose veins.
My Mom is a strong, Southern-belle. She could rival wood chopping and skeet shooting with the best of them. Her sacrificial giving to our family has been exemplary. For years, she would coordinate wedding receptions among other things at her church, which is where most of her free time went. {You see, I come by the 'Party gene' honestly!} There were also the years she took on a job to not only pay my way through private school but spoil her grandchildren exponentially. Transplanted from California, work brought my parents North in the early days of their marriage. The PNW has been home ever since. Other than my Dad's help, my Mom raised her three children without local family support. As you can imagine, family is everything to her.
A couple short years ago, my Mom was diagnosed with a rare brain disease, "PSP." My mom is young and the disease has aged her body. PSP is not our friend. However, what most impresses me about my Mom is her grit. She determines to give her best despite her disability. Some may think she is quiet but rest assured her whit is fully intact!
As for turning 50... Except for the occasional tennis elbow, Sciatic nerve pain and blurred vision, it is not bad at all. I've decided that birthdays can not be possibly be enjoyed in just one day. Especially, monumental ones like turning 50 and any frankly, any day we get to breath. The two biggest lessons I have learned so far: Enjoy life by preparing for Death and to live in the moment. Thank you, Dear Mom. You have have graciously taught me both.
#YESto50
#50weeksofbirthday
Originally written 4/16/2018
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