Thirty Six?

Tomorrow, I will be another year older. Tomorrow, another year wiser (let's hope) and most certainly another year wrinklier. Ah yes, with age comes not only wisdom but more character lines. Can you not feel my overflowing joy and excitement with that undeniable truth? Seriously, four years closer to middle age? Whoa, how did that happen?

It's crazy how time changes us. It changes everything. Our relationships, the way we think, the way we look and even, sometimes, the way we live. If you would have asked me two years ago where I thought I'd be at this very moment, I would never have said "A working widowed mom of four actually considering dating"! I never would have guessed just how sweet my relationships with those closest to my heart could be and I never would have imagined moving forward after such a heartbreaking loss. Yet, here I am-amazed, shocked and even with some of the changes, surprisingly overjoyed with how things have turned out.

One of the most influencial people in my life is my Nana. For as long as I can remember, she has celebrated her birthdays with unwaivering grace and joy. I have been blessed to say that I have actually absorbed a thing or two from this incredible lady and in recent days have realized that 36 is just another stepping stone on my life's path. The steps I have taken to get here have been far from easy but I am certain that I have learned, that I have grown and quite possibly that I have even strengthened. Maybe I'll make it to 95 one day, just like my Nana. If I can impact even half of the people she has in her 95 years, I will be happy. Now, if only I could say the same about my wrinkles and dark eye circles. They are after all, here to stay, might as well keep em.

Live intentionally, Laugh uncontrollably and most of all Love others just as God loves each of us ....