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Half a Century - Wow!

Here it is! My 50th year. 

How do you mark a half-century on the planet? 

First, I'm astounded by the many other things that are marking 50 years in our culture: 

  • The movies Jaws and Monty Python and the Holy Grail
  • The Rocky Horror Picture Show
  • Bohemian Rhapsody
  • Saturday Night Live
  • Space Mountain at Walt Disney World
  • Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies
Reaching this milestone also had me thinking about the many human milestones we mark. Most of these happen in our childhood, but there are some that we reach even in adulthood. 

  • I've been walking and talking for 49 years
  • I've been swimming for 47 years (yes, I'm a Florida baby!)
  • ...a sister for 47 years
  • ....reading for 46 years
  • ....riding a bike for 45 years
  • ....sewing a basic hem or a button for 42 years (thanks, Grandma Libby)
  • ...playing the piano for 40 years
  • ...touch typing for 37 years. And that started on a typewriter!
  • ...working (collecting a real paycheck and not just babysitting or odd jobs) for 36 years
  • ...driving a car for 35 years
  • ...voting for 32 years
  • ...married for 28 years
  • ...a mom for 20 years
  • ...a published author for 13 years 
  • ...able to use the title "Doctor" for 2 years
Soren Kierkegaard once said, "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." 

I love that perspective. I love using milestone birthdays as a time for reflection. Looking at the list above, I feel a sense of accomplishment and relish in all the experiences I have had in 5 decades.

I don't feel "old" but I do feel a sense of maturity and (dare I say?) wisdom that comes from all these experiences.  

While my life has seen its share of sadness and tragedy, I have also experienced great joy and rejoice in my relationships with friends and family who make this life worth all elements of the journey. 

If you want to help me celebrate, I am helping CJSTUF with its 15 for 15 campaign. We need new sustaining donors to help us see the next 15 (or 50?) years ahead. Maybe you can be a part of that work?




 

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