Well, here we go. The old girl is about to rack up another year older.
November is my birthday month. It’s a big number this year.
In 1966 when I graduated high school, they said I had my life before me. I still do; it’ll just be a shorter life.
As the time passes, I feel older by the minute, but I also feel blessed in abundance.
Looking back on my life I recall the good times and the bad times. I’ve lost too many family members and friends.
Some died far younger than expected. Others lived rich full lives and left legacies of knowledge, love and wisdom.
I have been honored to learn from these folks.
I haven’t always taken advice. Usually, I’ve regretted ignoring the learning opportunities.
There was a time when an 18-year-old girl with Cystic fibrosis taught life lessons to our community members old and young.
Donna knew she would die, but she lived a life of grace and faith. We all learned from her. She looked forward receiving ultimate healing and being renewed with her heavenly body that would run and breathe with ease.
I visited her most every day. With each visit I saw her encourage others; me included.
As hard as her passing was for those left behind, we knew that Donna was ok. I overheard her mom saying into the phone that Donna went home to be with Jesus. The courage of her mother somehow gave to me a sense of peace.
At the end of our journey, we’ll be ok.
So, I will embrace another year older with as much dignity and grace as I can muster.