Look at the beauty today gave me!
- peace for my 47th year (Hipstamatic)
I had one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a year and, as soon as I opened my eyes, I started to count my blessings. My sweet, devoted parents: they are two of the most loyal, humble, and forthright people God ever made. How did I get so lucky? I have the most incredible circle of friends. Each one unique, reminding me that I am loved in spite of every fault I’ve got, and boy, I’ve got my share and then some.
After coffee I caulked my bathtub. Now, that may sound like a rotten thing to do on one’s birthday but, it was, in fact, the most perfect of things to do. With every bead I realized how lucky I am to have a bathroom with running water and a bathtub. As I smoothed those beads into a singular impenetrable seal I gave thanks for the lives of every friend who didn’t make it to 47. Lana Franklin, Jim Brown, Mark Collinsworth, Duane Ruth, Cindy Spradling, Lori Whitt, Sandy Adkins, Robby Pennington, Alan Elam, Olivia Evans. Each soul a loved and necessary bead of my life’s impenetrable seal.
When I went outside to face the morning sun I gave thanks for a house that’s warm and safe with a yard that birds and squirrels want to be in. I gave thanks for my neighbors, Chainsaw Charlie most of all. He is a gentle reminder that people are, at their core, good. And when I finished the house I drove to a car wash to have it washed. Freaky as it was to be inside the car as it was pulled through that…thing…I belly laughed with my traveling companion, Stacy Yelton. In that moment, I was thankful to have a car to wash and someone to laugh with. How many of us don’t have those things?
I am the most blessed woman you know. Happy Birthday to me!
Mary
you’re a blessin. yep.<3
kopana
so are you <3
Jeanne Marie
I used to have a neighbor I nicknamed Chainsaw Charlie, ’cause he cut down a huge tree in his front yard. I got to know him better after he became ill and I would sometimes take him dinner. I was brought around to your same observation…A good lesson 😉 Glad you had a good birthday!
kopana
you just never know from whence the lessons come. I suspect, if I live here long enough, I’ll be the one taking Chainsaw Charlie some dinner. I’ll be happy to. 🙂
Robin
You were born on your birthday!
Did you know that Elvis thought he could move clouds! I bet he could, anything is possible.
Love you sweet woman. I’m glad your a part of my life.
kopana
…that Elvis….. (Love you, too)