Tomorrow I will be fifty years-old. Fifty. This amazes me. I can't quite wrap my mind around it. When I look in the mirror, I often catch myself off guard, expecting to see younger me. Younger me is somewhere in her late thirties, I'm not sure why that age has stuck in my head but she's the me I look like in my mind.
Because of my dance with drugs and alcohol as a young woman, I never expected to live past twenty-five. After getting sober at twenty-three, I realized that I had no plan, no real concrete goals or any idea of how to get there. As my friends were graduating from college, I left behind my dodgy, short-lived college days and I went to work. I decided to wing it.
In my twenties and thirties, I traveled. I had curly hair and then straight. I enjoyed two careers that were fun and interesting. I spent time with some sweet dogs and cats. I learned to bake bread. I wore dangerous high heels. I made true friends. I had my heart broken. I drove a convertible. I read. I wrote. I stayed sober. They were interesting seasons.
Ten years ago, I met Mr. Rosenberg. Within the year, Bob was on his way. Thanks to an internet dating site and a game changing sushi dinner date in Korea Town, I had managed to stumble into the loves of my life. Now, is my season of motherhood. The soccer games and PTA meetings and wild boys chasing a dog through the house are everything. The tiny moments of folding laundry or helping with homework are lifted up in prayers of gratitude.
I think of a the final scene in Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka has just told Charlie that he will be inheriting the Chocolate Factory. Charlie is, of course, thrilled. Willy Wonka ends the conversation with, "But Charlie, don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he'd always wanted... He lived happily ever after."
Tomorrow I will be fifty years-old. I am living my happily ever after.
A very happy birthday. You've made me smile. It is because of you that I started writing about my son on my blog. Thank you. And hence, I want you live, and live long and happy. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Thank you. xo
DeleteAnd this is why I always start my morning with your blog. Happy birthday. May I be half as lovely when I'm 50.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heather! xoxo
DeleteYes. This IS the happily ever after. Happy birthday, beautiful woman!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary! xoxoxo
DeleteWishing you the happiest of birthdays and the happiest of the ever afters.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shannon! xoxo
DeleteA very happily ever after birthday to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joanne! xoxo
DeleteHappy birthday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! Happy birthday, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteXO
A.
Thank you, Anna! Love you. xo
DeleteAH! I love this. And you! Happy Birthday sweet girl. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sweet Becky! xo
DeleteSince you require at least one guy to wish you happy birthday, I wanted to be that guy.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!!! I can tell you that it only gets better
Thanks! Xo
DeleteHappy Birthday Dear Lady. I'm so glad you are happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara! xo
DeleteHappy birthday, lovely lady!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anna! xo
DeleteHappy birthday, Lisa, and welcome to the 50s! I've been saving a spot for you since March. Have a wonderful birthday weekend! xo
ReplyDeleteHa! Thanks, Florinda! xo
DeleteHappy happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracy! xo
DeleteBeautiful post! Happiest of birthdays to you special lady!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Agnes!xo
DeleteA birthday is a perfect time to tell someone what they've been in your life. You, Bob, your kindness and friendship to me and mine in the past five years has made a difference. Life is big, life is small, and the moments in between, are everything. I love you, Smacksy. Happy birthday, friend.
ReplyDeleteYou are too wonderful! Thank you so much for your kindness. Love to you. xoxo
DeleteYou inhabit the age in a lovely way. Happy birthday.
ReplyDeleteThat's so nice! Thanks, Cheryl! xo
DeleteHappy birthday! You look amazing! Just amazing! And what a life. I'm so glad you've made it to 50, and here's to 50 more!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth! 50 more would do nicely! xo
Deletehappy birthday you beautiful lady.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin! xoxo
DeleteOMG. Woman. You. 50? Amazing. The best is so very yet to come. #virgoseason
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kimberly! High five Virgo! xoxo
DeleteHappy birthday to you. You look, write, and act amazing for any age.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jenna! xoxo
DeleteYou put a face on 50 that everyone should be proud of…Happy Birthday.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maria!! xoxo
DeleteHeck!
ReplyDeleteI miss one day and almost missed this.
Happy birthday!
...and congratulations on the 27 years of sobriety.
Thanks, Uncle Skip!! xoxoxo
DeleteHappiest of days, lady! I hope your boys spoil you! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melissa! They are!! xoxo
DeleteYou are beautiful at fifty. And loved. And happy. Wow. I am jealous -- even though I'm not yet 50.
ReplyDeleteLove to you, Lisa!! xoxo
DeleteHappy belated Birthday,you fifty no way you look a gorgeous 30,xx Rachel and Speedy
ReplyDeleteThanks, Guys. Xo
DeleteWishing you the happiest of Birthdays!
ReplyDeleteSorry this is late!
You look absolutely amazing for fifty.
Sending you lots of well wishes.
Your Number 1 Aussie Fan
Mandy
Thank you, Mandy! xoxo
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