Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Living life.

I recently read a post written by a dear blogger friend Vera, from Row Homes and Cobblestones.
It was her birthday post.
Vera wrote about her day, and all of the fun things she and her sweet husband did to celebrate.

Not once did Vera mention her age, or did she complain about getting older in her blog post.
It was all about what a joyful day she had experienced.
I loved it!

Age has not bothered me....especially after so many health issues during my lifetime.
I am thrilled to reach each year as a milestone!

Age is not a detriment to be dreaded....it's a triumph...to be celebrated.
Each year is like breaking through that ribbon at the finish line.....another victory!
You are ready for the next marathon of the upcoming year.

My trophies are more gray hairs in my crown, and a few more wrinkles around my smile.....every one of them earned!
The eyelids are sagging more each year, and my upper arms resemble a worn down hammock.....but that's all a part of life being lived.
I shall never wear a bikini again for fear of being accused of forgetting to wear the bottoms....that, my friends, is a matter of gravity, and too many Klondike bars.
Blue jeans are becoming a thing of the past.  Muffin tops are turning into bread dough that was left to raise far too long!   I blame the wine.
God Bless the designer's of tunic tops!!! can I get an Amen?!
I may be a little guilty of enjoying life "in excess" sometimes.....it seems I am always going from a diet to binge eating...at 61 years old, you'd think I would realize how things work!!!
I've been skinny, fat, and somewhere in between. Consequently, my body is left with the results of bad choices over the years...but I'm okay with it...I have no choice. I'm old now. 
I'm not trying to reach a goal....just living life. Seeking joy. Looking for the cloud with the silver lining, and ready to rip it open to see what's inside! The road has not always been easy....there have been ruts along the way.....detours, and road closed signs. Those are the times when you seek out a rest area.....those are found strategically placed along the way of life's journey. 
So when you hit another year....don't dread it!!!! Rejoice!!!! Look how far you've come!!!  Reflect on the many accomplishments in those years!! Sit down, and look around you.....are you happy with what surrounds you?   Me?  Yes....I am.
My beloved niece Michele died last night at 7:00. she was only 38 years old, and left Brayden, five, and Layla, three.  Michele loved life. She loved her children, and fought hard against multiple cancers for more time with her children. She was a sweet spirit that never gave up. Michele's fight made me open my eyes to the appreciation of "time". Always thinking about "age" boarders on vanity....there was NOTHING pretty about cancer....but there was something beautiful about how much my niece loved spending time with her children, and the people that took the time to be with her while she was here, living life. I will miss her so.
xo 

21 comments:

  1. Awe, so sorry to read about your nieces passing, sending condolences and prayers for you and your family! I agree about age, we have earned our age by living life! Blessings for the day, Cindy xoxo

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  2. Debbie,
    I am so sorry Michele has left Planet Earth to return home with the Lord and loved ones. Her children are so very young they will remember their Mom through loving stories told by loving family members. That Iesson I learned personally with my son's passing. Every time we speak with the grands we share a memory of their Dad, sad, happy or just down right silly. Trust me my son was very creative and oftentimes downright silly. It is his smile and laugh we all linger in and miss so much. I know you will do this for Brayden and Layla. Teach them it's never about how long you live but the living in those years you had that makes those memories in their heart of their Mom live on. I know you totally understand Debbie and my words aren't necessary - you will be there for them, you more than most understands sharing memories and comforting the children.
    Thanks for the mention Debbie, living in the present of this birthday year and appreciating each and every day. My Dad was a real character with great humor, he would when it worked out flip the years and do it with a straight face. On the morning of my Birthday I applied my Dads flip when John said Happy Birthday, I know my Dad smiled down on me.
    Sending love,
    Vera

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  3. So sorry to hear of your niece passing so young...Every life is so precious no matter how many years it is lived. I had to laugh and agree with 99% of what you said...HaHa...I'm thinking you are a young chicken at 61 as I will celebrate 75 next May. But I too take it one day at a time and enjoy the ride. I've been every size from 6 to One Size Fits All, and now somewhere back in the middle of that. Happy, and enjoy a piece of cheesecake or a glass of wine. Every day is a gift...and you have expressed it so beautifully. Sending Hugs.

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  4. Debbie, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear niece. I know your heart is hurting right now. I hope the kids do ok in their new home. So true about living each day fully. Life is so fragile, and I know that often I have regretted time that I've wasted. Wasted on worrying, stressing, being unhappy. We can't turn back the clock, but we can chose to make the most of each day, no matter what that day may bring. Blig hugs.

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  5. I'm so sorry about the passing of Michele, I know you knew it was inevitable but it must surely mean she is at peace from the pain. I pray for her sweet children and all of the family and friends that will miss her.

    I really adore Vera, I think I met her through your blog. When you talk about growing older I so identify with your musings and beliefs. When I look at really older people, and I happen to consider 50's and 60's middle age, I think that these souls are so fortunate to have had this much time on earth, to live and love. Lovely people like Michele are not so fortunate to have the gift of time. I find that puts me in perspective of age,

    Thank you for a 'from your heart' post, Debbie. And again, my condolences.

    Jane x

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  6. Oh,Debbie- I am so sorry. I messed that Michelle had passed. God bless those sweet children she left behind. God bless you and all her family- I know you will miss her greatly.
    You are right- rejoice in the day- we never know when our last one will be lived. xo Diana

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  7. Good Morning Debbie
    Your Post was beautiful* I am so sorry your sweet Niece has passed away. She was so blessed to have her family to help her through her sickness. Now she is with Jesus and in no pain. She was so young but she knew to enjoy her life, some people go through their whole life and have never stopped to enjoy, to love. I will be praying for her children and the rest of her family. I loved how you spoke about age. I truly forget how old I am until I walk past a mirror :) I am thankful for each day God gives me.
    Take care today Debbie, I am sure your family will all need to be together now to get through this time. Lots of hugs to you***
    deezie

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  8. Sending you my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear Niece. Life is so precious and we must celebrate every day we get.

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  9. I'm so sorry about your niece, that is still so very young. I'm sure her kids will grow up knowing what a strong and brave mama they had and how hard she fought to be with them on this earth for as long as she could. Big hugs to you!

    Getting older doesn't bother me at all, I'm actually really enjoying it. My husband is quite a bit younger than me but he makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, (despite the extra 20 lbs. I've added since meeting him). Plus, living here in FL you get to see how much life and vitality the older generation still has in them...as I'm driving down the street I see them whizzing by on the bicycles with the wind whipping through their hair and it really is quite inspiring! Each day we have is a blessing and, like you said, to be celebrated...lovely post Debbie xoxoxo

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  10. Dear Debbie, I am so sorry for the loss of your niece. She is in the comfort and arms of our Lord now to rest in peace forever. I am so sorry for her children. My prayers will remain with her family and you in the days ahead. Life is so fragile and such a gift.

    This is a special post Debbie and you have told the story of aging so well. I am right there with you my friend. Each day on this earth is a gift and to be celebrated. We never know when it will end. Some days the devil makes me feel bad about aging, but then I talk back to him and he runs away scared. LOL There is beauty in earning our age with wrinkles and all. It's a waste of time to fret about the process of growing older. Not old, just older.

    God Bless you my friend and the family of your dear niece. With my deepest sympathy.
    Love to you, CM

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  11. Oh,no...i'm sos sorry for thre loss of your niece..she was so young. I 'm so sad for her children...i'll pray for her family and for you. I agree with your words.Life is very precious.
    Hugs
    Alessandra

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  12. What a great post! Well said! I'm trying to not focus on the effects of getting older... it kind of snuck up on me. Just gotta roll with the changes I guess.
    I'm sorry for the loss of your niece. So sad for the children. It sounds like she was a great person.

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  13. Dear Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of our precious niece.
    Thank you so much for this lovely post.

    hugs,
    Sissie

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  14. Dear Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of our precious niece.
    Thank you so much for this lovely post.

    hugs,
    Sissie

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  15. Thank you for sharing with us about this love story... A mother and her children; and a life cut off short in our point of view. But you gave us a good glimpse of what age really is! Another gift of a day or year to live. You made me ponder and reflect!
    Always, Roxy xo

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  16. My condolensces on the loss of your beloved niece. Such sad news. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for the post...it was uplifting in many ways!! Life is truly a gift.

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  17. Hi Debbie,
    I am so very sorry to hear about your niece. I am sure that her children are lucky to have you in their life. Such sadness in the world. :( I just went to another blogspot and she had mugs that her daughter had given her with the saying "I'm not old - I'm Vintage!" I will try to embrace turning 60 this year. So nice to visit your other lovely blogspot and see such gorgeous pics! I love seashells, and lavender too! Have a Wonderful Week! Karen

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  18. Hi Debbie,
    I am so very sorry to hear about your niece. I am sure that her children are lucky to have you in their life. Such sadness in the world. :( I just went to another blogspot and she had mugs that her daughter had given her with the saying "I'm not old - I'm Vintage!" I will try to embrace turning 60 this year. So nice to visit your other lovely blogspot and see such gorgeous pics! I love seashells, and lavender too! Have a Wonderful Week! Karen

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  19. Dear Debbie, I realize this post is quite late, but just now reading your thoughts on aging, and the loss of your dear niece. What a beautiful rendering of your thoughts on how life is, and how we should be thankful for each moment that ticks on the clock, for we don't know how much time we have. I know your dear heart is still grieving for the loss of this precious woman, and of course for her children who will miss her so. Praying that the Lord is continuing to comfort the hearts of those who loved her and miss her. Much love to you my dear friend!

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  20. Hi Debbie, I'm so sorry for your loss ...time really is so precious ...hope you are ok I'm thinking of you and sending you love and light....Gail x

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