Fifty-Five

It feels like it has been forever since I blogged.  And in all honesty, it has been.  This is a week of reflection.  This is the week that I turn 55 years old.  55.  5. 5. There was a time in my life when I didn't think I would see 30 much less 55.  There was a time in my life that I didn't care if I reached 30.  My, how times change. Now I need to make it to at least 75 to see my granddaughter graduate college.

Life is funny.  I look back and wonder where the time has gone.  It seems like yesterday I had two babies, 1 and 2 years old.  Today my kids are 24, 25, and 26.  I couldn't be prouder of them.  Are they perfect?  NO!  Would I give everything for any of them? YES!  None of them have had and easy life.  Easier than a lot of people, but with trials and tribulations.  One of them has had more than their fare share of grief. 

Maybe that's why I haven't blogged in so long.  It's easy to write when things are happy like Mikaela's baptism.  It's hard to write when you want to scream and say STOP hurting someone I love. 

Today is a new day.  All three of my children are happy and moving in a forward direction.  My son comes home tonight for 9 days.  I can't wait to see him.  It's been since Thanksgiving.  When he leaves, my oldest and her daughter will be home for a few days.  Even though I just saw them a week ago, I know that over the next few months they will be moving far away and it will be more difficult to see them.  So I will treasure this visit.  My middle child has moved back to this area and it is such a comfort to know she's close by.

55.  What have I accomplished in this life?  A big part of me want to say not much.  But inside, I know that's not true.  I have an amazing husband, who loves me unconditionally and who I feel the same about.  As I said, I have these three amazing children who are all successes in their own right.  I have the most amazing friends a person could ever have.  I know that I could call any of them at the drop of a hat and they would be there for me.  Friendship is truly a gift from God.  I have spent my adult life working and volunteering to make a difference in the life of children from Germany to Florida to Tennessee to Kentucky.  I have been graced with the opportunity to do what I love.  Create.  Not many people can say they get to do what they love every day.  I can. 

I am blessed.  I am thankful.  I love and I am loved.  I am going to be 55 this week.  My husband asks what I'm going to do the next 55 years.  I believe I'll continue to do what I've done for the past 55.  Who could ask for more.  Hugs to you all!