Birthday Musings

Fifty years of Adulthood

My sister-in-law found the photo in the top left corner and gave it to us last week. It was taken half a century ago (!), a couple of years before we were married. It seems impossible that, as I celebrate another birthday today, my adult life has spanned five decades. Life has been good and for that, I am very grateful. There have been challenging moments, but I have been loved and well-supported through them all. I can't begin to name all the people;- family, co-workers, neighbours and friends who have helped me learn and mature over the years.  

Working in the hospital makes me grateful for good health as I see too many people from my generation who have medical, emotional and cognitive issues that impact their quality of life. I am thankful for each day knowing that even if I take the best possible care of myself, age will eventually take its toll. 

I found this prayer and it expresses my desire in the year ahead.

God of grace and truth, make me whole, 

a person of integrity who heals and makes peace. 

I pray for eyes that see what’s best in others, 

a graceful and candid mouth, 

hands that never twist but hold up truth, 

a heart that aims to encourage, 

and feet that pursue my neighbour’s best. 

 Amen

Of course, it is important to be able to laugh at myself and to find joy through the day.

We went for a walk in the bush today and my daughter took this picture of Raven and me on the trail. Somehow I am completely missing one lower limb and my Nordic walking poles give the impression that I really need a gait aid. And Raven decided at that moment that it was time to leave a deposit on the snow. 

Through the magic that is Facetime,

my grandchildren sang Happy Birthday with plenty of gusto and joy. And what is a birthday without cake. Yes, life is worth celebrating!