A Birthday Reflection

Fifty-seven years ago today, I was born in a row house in NW Washington, D.C. I was obviously in a hurry to get here because I was born prematurely and I’ve been in a hurry ever since. I don’t do anything half-way. I love my family and friends unconditionally, I give much of myself and anything I have, and I give a great deal of my time to whomever needs it. I’ve been hurt a lot too, but it’s never slowed me down. I’ve just kept hurrying along. What most people would say about me though is how hard I work. Some friends would say I have about 12 jobs and causes, AND they are mostly unrelated to each other. I’ve typically worked from sunrise to bedtime on one job or many simultaneously.

Not even a chronic illness that arrived more than twenty years ago slowed me down. The illness hung around for thirteen years of my life and I spent countless days in the hospital and endured more surgeries than I care to remember. I hurried even more during that time trying to see and do everything possible in case I didn’t survive.

I’ve worked out like crazy and have completed 9 walking marathons. I’ve been fortunate to have visited many cities and countries, I’ve been married for more than 30 years to an amazing man and blessed with experiencing motherhood without giving birth. There’s nothing in this world like being a Grammy and I’ve learned so much from this role that I cherished for four years now. I’ve also been blessed with caring for the best mom any child could have. It’s been an amazing life thus far.

With my birthday so close to the New Year, I’ve never really focused much on creating resolutions because I think we all know what we need to do in our lives for the good of ourselves, our health and our families. Each year though, especially since my 50th birthday, I seemed to hurry more. Is it because I’ve now lived more years than I have left to live? Could be.

So instead of a New Year’s resolution, it’s time for a birthday pledge to myself… Starting today, I’m to go much more slowly… I’ve always Enjoyed life to the fullest, and if you know me well. you’d agree with that. Now I’m going to s-a-v-o-r every moment. I’ll enjoy the hikes more and the memories we make in our camper, and I’ll savor the views I have of this awesome world. I’ll love my family even more and make them my number 1 priority. Work will still be work, but it won’t consume me. There are too many other great things to be consumed by. I’ve done so much for so many others, this birthday pledge I’m going to do just FOR MYSELF!!

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