Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday yesterday on social media and through text messages. It was so kind of you to send me a message. I loved hearing from each of you. It was a different birthday I suppose due to CoVid concerns, but I still had a lovely day and hubby and I went out for some nachos, which is becoming my annual birthday treat. I love nachos but I don’t eat them very often. Of course we followed protocol and masked, and distanced, and washed well.
I like to take a few minutes each year around my birthday to think about all the good in my life, and all the hopes for the future. Here are a few…
Especially with the CoVid virus around, I am thankful that nobody in my immediate family has been infected with it so far. We have had some cousins and a few friends get it and thankfully they have beat it. Please be safe out there. Continue to mask, and social distance.
As a young person I could not have imagined what it would be like to become a grandmother, but here I am. I thank God for my twin grandsons and for the newest member of the family coming in March, a sweet little girl. One of my biggest joys at my age right now is seeing my daughters as mothers, and loving on my grandchildren. They keep me active – getting down on the floor to play, running races in the yard, and doing silly things that is good for the soul.
Also, When I was a young person I could never have imagined how my hubby and I would experience so much together Through the years, in so many places. We have moved and lived in many places but each time it has been a fun, new experience together. Oh, there were some headaches along the way, but we faced it together and we have always been a unified front.
At this age I am very happy to live where I do now, here in the Lowcountry, with one home and let me count… 5 pets! 2 dogs and 3 kitties. They are aging just as I am. I love them dearly and it’s hard to watch them age, especially Miss Honeybee as she struggles. I don’t know how much longer she will hang in there. She still seems to find happiness with us, so we take it day by day.
Friends. I have such a nice assortment of them! Thanks to Facebook I have reconnected with some from way back in my school days. My high school class has an active group. I have friends of all ages, from so many places – from places where we have lived. Church friends, neighbors, music connections, my daughters’ friends who I love, and even a few I have never physically met but we share similar interests.
My BFF – best friend forever. As I have aged I have kept a special relationship with Sue. I have written about her before. But, there is nothing better than to have that one girlfriend who has experienced all of life with you, and vice versa. She is the one person I can talk to and pick up right where we left off – without any hesitation. We have each other’s back – always. By the way, this is kind of interesting – but for me, there is something about the name Sue. It’s my sister’s name. My BBF is Sue. And, I have other dear friends named Sue and Suzanne.
I look back and think I have been so lucky to not have a major disaster, or twist, in my life. I have not had something that sent me reeling, that made me question God. I know it’s a bit unusual and it may change tomorrow. The closest I think I experienced was when my mother died. But her passing was not unexpected and she had been suffering and failing for awhile. When she went on to heaven I knew it was a blessing – for her. Maybe not for everyone else though.
I know my faith has kept me going. One good thing about aging (sometimes you have to look for them) is that my faith has grown through time. I thank my parents for the foundation. I was normal in my youth and teen years as in I was not putting time or effort into it, but getting married and having children brought me around. Church and knowing more about God became important. Once I started giving myself over to learning, and getting involved, it has continued to lead me. Looking back, I know my trust in God has brought me peace in tough times.
I certainly have had disappointments. I’m 63 years old now – lord knows it hasn’t always been peaches and cream!?! I wish some relationships were different. I wish I was stronger, or more caring. I have messed up for sure. But, with age comes the ability to sort it out and to ask for forgiveness. And – to forgive.
As I have aged I have seen the big picture better. I have become what I like to call a “Christian activist” – for causes that can make others’ lives better. I don’t stay silent when it comes to children, education, medical care, and gun safety. And, yes, it has made me become more political. For the first time in my life this past year I volunteered and worked for a political candidate. Some think I’m a bit over the top, but I like to think I’m passionate about the causes and making the country and world better and safer for my kids and grandkids. I want to make a difference.
I have always been an open book. I can’t lie. I can’t keep a secret very well. Most of the time I am happy that I am. Again, I thank my parents for instilling in me the value of honesty – of being who I am. But, it’s a word of warning – I have also been called too frank. I try to say things truthfully.
So – I guess it leads me to my hopes for the coming year. I think politically we are going to get back to more honesty. More dignity. I’m happy to see the change in our country’s leadership. I think back when I was a child, walking down the school hallway and seeing all the presidents pictures hanging in a row. The office of the presidency from a child’s perspective was awe-inspiring. I know as an adult I see the flaws, and I know so much more due to modern times with 24/7 talking heads. Blissful, ignorant days are over. But, I wonder if young children today look up to the president. Where are the heroes?
Also this coming year will bring a return to a new normal life once the CoVid vaccines get into everyone’s arms. I’m hopeful that by summer we can relax a bit and gather together again. I don’t think we should totally let down our guard though because we have learned how scary invisible virus bugs can change our world really quickly.
I’m confident that the coming year will be better – better for ALL people. I’m doing well anyway. I can’t complain. But, I’m hopeful that 2021 will be a year where changes will make those who have been struggling can get back to life.
We are in this together – so I am encouraged by what will come in the new year.
My new year – it’s looking pretty good!
Marla’s Musings 