Thursday, September 10, 2009

Reflections on 48

Scotty and me


Since my brother Scott passed away unexpectedly at the age of 48 I have come to think of aging in a different light. I'm not afraid of growing old. After all, I've already spent time in a nursing home, used a walker, cane and wheelchair, dealt with chronic illness and had a major break due to osteoporosis.

My throat tightens as I realize I will never get another birthday phone call from my big brother. We would wonder how we got to be as old as our parents. He would tell me all about the latest gadgets and gizmo's. We would talk about politics and his favorite topic, his boys.

I have body parts that are saggy and deflated but my self worth and relationships are growing with age.

I look forward to my golden years filled with travel, laugh lines and grand kids. Birthdays are a gift and a blessing. Aging doesn't scare me. I'm more concerned with living fully. Bring it on.

26 comments:

Christina said...

That's the way of thinking!!! Go Girrrrl!

Lauren in GA said...

Such fantastic perspective. Thank you.

And that picture is fantastic, too.

Happy, happy birthday to you!!

SavvyGirl said...

Happy Birthday to my dear friend!!

Jennie said...

Happy Bday that picture of you two is precious!

Lisa-Marie said...

Plus, you have still got it going on, girl! NO worries for you!!!!!

Happy birthday!

Annemarie said...

I love, love. love that picture. It does look like Sam & Lizzie, you were right!
Happy Birthday! I wish I was there to celebrate with you. Live it up!!

Sally said...

Thank you for sharing these sentiments. I am glad that you are embracing this birthday and I hope you enjoy it!

Tristan said...

Happy Birthday Diane! I feel so blessed to know you! You have come to mean a lot to me in the short time we have known each other and I look forward to many more years of friendship :)

Love you!

lisset said...

why don't pictures look like that anymore?

but more importantly- how in the world did you get to be 48 when you still have the spunk of a 25 year old?

happy birthday!!

Hazen5 said...

Happy Birthday!!!

Okay, now Allison, Michele and I need to come whisk you away for some birthday lunch! When's good for you?

Sunshine said...

Happy Birthday Diane!

Robin said...

Such an adorable picture! Happy Birthday! You have a wonderful attitude.

Jenibelle said...

Happy Happy Birthday to the cutest little blogger around!!! I hope your day is wonderful and filled with yummy things.

Kimberly said...

Happy birthday sister Diane! ;)
Hope it is great.

kara jayne said...

great big hugs and birthday wishes from the southwest!!

oh my...guess what my word verification word is?!

BRACES!!! it's meant to be!

Valerie said...

Happy Birthday Diane!! Thanks for all that you are and for all that you share. Love you!!

Brigitta said...

Happy birthday. You make 48 look good. I agree each birthday is a gift. You just never know what life will bring. So soak it up and enjoy. Some say women, cheese and wine get better with age.

ferntyler said...

Happy birthday!! I love your thought about living fully - its so easy to forget that. I love that you always have a smile even when you aren't feeling your best and you always make me laugh. Thanks for being you - hope you had a great day!

Liz said...

Happy, Happy Birthday Diane, Dear. Happy days will come to you all year! If I had a wish, then it would be...a Happy, Happy Birthday to you from me!!

Not very original, I know, but VERY heartfelt! I hope you had an awesome day!

Great picture!

calibosmom said...

When I grow up, I want to be just like you. Happy Birthday friend!

Christie said...

Happy birthday to one of my all-time favorite women ever. I fully intend to be JUST LIKE YOU.

3WimmerBoys said...

That is the sweetest picture. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! What a sweet tribute to your brother, I am sure he is wishing you well on your special day.

alison said...

older and wiser, what could be better? Happy Belated on blogger, but I was on time on FB!

Travelin'Oma said...

While you still look young and darling, your experiences have given you depth and wisdom. Your post was beautiful. Happy birthday!

Anna said...

I know this is late, but the sentiment is still there. Happy Birthday! 48 has been a good year for me so far, hope it is for you too.

Kim W said...

Girl, you inspire me! Love ya!