🎂 Thankful for the GIFT of 71 years

Me on my fifth birthday, with 

my Tennessee Grandma. 

My Birthdays are an opportunity to celebrate the precious gift of life bestowed upon me by God. Psalm 139:13-14 reminds me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, which makes the day a perfect moment to reflect on God's purpose for my life instead of my aches and pains. 

“The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

With friends 

As I observed this day, I feel deep gratitude for God's unwavering faithfulness and abundant provision over the years.  I cherish the relationships and experiences - the good and the bad that have enriched my life and shaped my journey.

 “Aging is just another word for living.” —Cindy Joseph

Age 5 with Mom and my baby sister in Yosemite

My 8th grade graduation - 

with mom and my handsome dad

“We are always the same age inside.” —Gertrude Stein

This day also invites me to reflect on my faith and contemplate how to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ, as I draw nearer to my reward - 

My loving husband and I - 

We match - I have white hair and he has a white beard!

Today I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the 71 years I've had on this earth. I find myself in a good place; my mental and emotional well-being is good - allowing me to experience happiness in everyday moments. I choose to embrace the journey of aging with acceptance and grace. 

Yes, the telltale signs of time are becoming more apparent—wrinkles etch the contours of my face, my skin feels drier and thinner, and my hair has transformed to white. I observe the sags and bags that have taken residence in certain areas of my body - just reminders of my life’s adventures. Though I navigate age-related challenges and my reflexes aren’t as sharp as they once were, I still find humor in my little lapses, such as searching for my eyeglasses, only to discover they are perched right on top of my head! 

 “I don’t feel old. I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it’s time for my nap.” —Bob Hope

Yet, amidst these changes, I take pride in one delightful fact: I can still wear the same size earrings that adorned my ears in high school. 😜

“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” —Mark Twain

I’ve never hesitated to embrace my age; what other choice do I have? 

My younger sister, whose birthday is the 5th - wasn’t afforded that opportunity—she left this world far too soon at just 56 - 6 months after this photo.  My niece, Nina passed at the age of 28 from Fentanyl poisoning. My firstborn son passed at 25. I often reflect on my two very best friends, who departed before reaching 71. The process of growing older is indeed a gift, one that many are not as fortunate enough to receive. 

So, what did I do for my birthday?

I went to church - 

If you really know me, you’ll understand that I’m not one to make a big deal out of special occasions.  No fuss for me. Just some ice cream for dessert and I’m a happy camper. We enjoyed a lovely dinner out on Friday evening, so tonight, we're eating at home. 

I’ve always been captivated by the poignant image of this older woman gazing at her younger self in the mirror, a beautiful reflection of the passage of time. 

“That’s another great thing about getting older. Your life is written on your face.” —Frances McDormand

On to 72 …

Debby