Birthdays!

BIRTHDAYS!

July 29, was my 72^nd birthday.  I cannot believe I am “that old”.  Remember when we used to think 30 was old?  I humorously say that I guess now 90 is old! No one can stop time.

All of us have a birthday.  Birthdays should be happy occasions.  I learned the value of birthdays when I taught preschool and elementary school.  The kids would be counting down the days until they had their birthday. I realized these little people were truly excited.  Some of the kids were going to Disney World or having a party with friends.  Special times.  One could gain pounds from all the cupcakes and cookies that were passed out.  It was hard to say no!!!

Every year when my birthday comes around, I get a bit nostalgic and depressed. Time has passed and where did it go?  I have this terrible urge to find a big piece of cake with lots and lots of icing. 

It seems like yesterday we couldn’t wait until we were sixteen and able to drive. Worries for our parents.  Eighteen brought about graduation from high school, then a new adventure of college or going to work. The next milestone was being twenty one and being able to order that glass of wine legally. No more Strawberry Hill for 99 cents!  And the list goes on and on. You went gracefully into the world of “adulthood”. 

This birthday brought about dinner with my oldest son, his lovely wife, and my dear friend.  For once, I told him where I wanted to go for dinner.  It was a bit expensive, and very delicious.  A fun time was had by all of us.  Receiving handmade cards from you granddaughters are a treasure.  They will never know how much the cards are appreciated.  Beautiful artwork — even for the two year old. Phone calls and texts from my beautiful sisters wishing me Happy Birthday. 

The Saturday after my birthday there was a “reunion” of the Class of 1968.  It would have been fun to go, but I chose to stay home.  The pictures that were posted on Facebook brought back memories.  Sometimes it is hard to imagine any of my classmates getting older.  Spending many years with all of them, it was hard to see that they were now my age.  All of us got older.  I am glad the names were posted under the pictures. 

I think when you get “older” (especially my age), I often wonder when the end of my life will be here.  I read that once upon a time people knew when they would go onto the next world.  God noticed they just gave up, so He stopped letting them know.  Makes sense.  It is not good to just give up. You live each day how you want and live like it is your last.  One needs to “keep laughing” and keep on truckin.  My dear friend, Carole, keeps me laughing.  She is like a shot in the arm for me.  I always feel better after a visit with her.

Once again I stress that we need to stay in the state of contentment. I know I say this in just about all of my blogs.    It is a daily struggle, and it is well worth it.  You need to thank God for your blessings.  Two years ago, I moved into my very own condo here in Atlanta.  Sometimes I still cannot believe it, but I still love it. 

Another birthday has gone by for me.  Let’s hope for a 73^rd!

                   Blessings from The Blogging Grandma