I sat in the big leather chair yesterday and gazed around this circle of marvelous, beautiful women I have the honor of calling my friends. We all graduated from high school together…could it really be forty-six years ago??? We’re a diverse group. Some were jocks in high school. Some were wallflowers. Actresses. Musicians. Artists. Dancers. Some were heavy into books. Some were heavy into boys. We were shy…and we weren’t. We were scared…and we weren’t. And look at us now. These raven-haired beauties have glitter on their crowns now…whether we choose to show it or not.
What is age but a number and an attitude? I haven’t climbed all these mountains to ignore the view. I worked hard to get up here. I got knocked down a few times. (Haven’t we all?) But, I kept on climbing because the view is pretty magnificent from this side of sixty. I don’t want to be young. I’ve been young. I don’t want to lose the character lines on my face. I’ve had alabaster skin. I don’t want to be skinny. I’ve worried about my tummy for the very last time. What I haven’t been is sixty-five and seventy-eight and ninety-two.
When Mr. Virgo died, I truly thought my life was over. In a way, it was. THAT life was. But I got a new life…whether I wanted it or not. I built it to suit me. Stripping away to the foundation of your soul takes great courage. My mantra every day was a whimper…”Move forward…move forward…move forward.” From a whimper to a whisper to a shout, joy was my carrot on a stick. Did I ever dream I’d find love again? I did at some point. I can guarantee it took a while to get there. Did I ever dream I’d find a love like THIS again? Oh, h*** no! Is it better than what I had with Mr. Virgo? It’s different…as it should be. I wasn’t looking to “replace” my husband. I was looking to enhance my life with joy, and Mr. FixIt brings that and then some.
I don’t want to be anything but what I am because if I lose focus on sixty-four, I’ll miss it. I want to be present with my breath and my heartbeat…my bones and marrow. I want to feel my muscles move as I strive to continually improve them. I want to taste my food. I want to smell sunshine on fresh sheets. No…I don’t want to be young. I want to be me…at every stage. I want to make aging my canvas…my art…my muse. ❤️
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”
Proverbs 16:31 NIV
So true! I’m privileged to keep my tummy, wrinkles at my age, so many don’t get to travel this road. I’ve earned what I got, although, I’d like to give back my aches and pains!
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What a marvelous reminder to appreciate each stage and each day! Isn’t it wonderful how there are still such wonderful surprises ahead? Sure wish I could have joined you all yesterday for coffee. ❤
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My thoughts exactly on moving on after the passing of a spouse. Life goes on and it can be a great life if you make it that way. It is all a mindset and ‘The Norm’ just takes on a new outlook. As we get over the ‘60 Mark’ we realize that our days are numbered as we watch out classmates pass on. I will today in its’ fullest and smile when I gently place my feet on the ground each morning. I will live for today and smile at the future days to come with peace in my heart.
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Excellent blog post!!! Celebrate each and every birthday….embrace it!! I had the scare of my life two years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer. I had a successful surgery and all scans and scopes and blood work has been clean and clear since!! I want to live, I want to serve Christ, I want to embrace each day as a special gift from Him!!! Thank you for such an open and honest post!! Here’s to every year we’ve lived!!!
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