Getting older isn’t easy, but the wisdom that comes with it is priceless. That means living boldly, dressing unapologetically and owning exactly who I am. It makes me sad when I meet people in their 50’s and 60’s who feel like the best is behind them. I believe that the best is always ahead. Our best lies in the process of becoming. So we might as well enjoy the process.
I’ve lived through…
Using an encyclopedia to find out information
Console TVs -- they were huge pieces of furniture that took up a lot of space and required me to stand up and change the channels— we had 5 available stations.
Paper maps to figure out where I was going
Calling a radio station over and over to request a song..and recording that song on a cassette tape.
I remember…
Prank calling to ask someone if their fridge was running
Toilet papering neighbor’s houses
Skinny dipping in grandma’s pool
Hearing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and not believing my ears.. instant love.
Drinking TAB— the new diet drink- for the first time and also drinking TANG.
Watching cartoons only on Saturday mornings- and learning through“School House Rock”
Marching to the side of my elementary school desk while my teacher played on the record player: “Go you chicken fat go!” for our exercise breaks.
My old home phone number (295-1238) and my grandma’s phone number. ( 295-1281)
I survived…
The trauma of watching “Soylent Green” ( a movie about eating people)
Being told to go outside to play, and not come back til dinner time.
Smelly perms— I already had big hair, but I wanted BIGGER—
Riding in the back of our wood-paneled station wagon with back seats that faced the car behind us…no seatbelts of course…. We pulled faces and waved at the other drivers.
I’ve learned…
Faces don’t need fixing. Wrinkles are proof of life.
Confidence never goes out of style.
There are no fashion rules— wear what brings you joy
I’m not for everyone, and that’s okay
Never pass on dessert while on vacation.
Put on a swimsuit and do the thing no matter your size
As a mom…
Letting go gets easier
Being friends with my adult kids is a wonderful place to land
My children will always be who they were meant to be
The only person I really parented was myself.
As a wife..
Responding to a spouse's bid for connection is important. — “Look at this” “Did you hear that?” “Oh, there’s an amazing sunset, come out and see it.”
Find things to do together -- a hobby, interest, calling, walking etc...
It’s important to let each other change and enjoy the change. I’ve fallen in love with NEW Wayne over and over in our 48 years together.
As a meema…
Love is the answer
Always respond and look at each grandkid like they are a treasure!
Enjoy their uniqueness and don’t compare
I’ve stopped asking…
Am I too old?
What will people think?
Is this age appropriate?
I’ll always choose…
Compassion and inclusion
A gathering of family and friends
A good belly laugh
Trying something new
A loving Heavenly Father
To get my angels on that. ( just like my momma)
