Congratulations, Lydia. I'm so sorry we weren't there for your triumph.
I've been referring to it for several months; "I'm going on 65," I would say, proudly. And today it happened! Somehow, I feel this is a much more important milestone than 50 was, although my dearest Lydia was born THAT February.
My day began with the Thursday healing service. Our new young Rector, in place of the usual homily, asked us to sit quietly and meditate on the Gospel, and speak about it if we were so moved. "A little Quakerism for the morning," he said. That tickled me down to my Quaker roots. And three of us did speak. Then, during the Eucharist, as we stood in a semi-circle around the altar, one little boy who comes occasionally had a giggling fit. Smiles spread quickly around the group as we enjoyed this Holy laughter.
There was a pot of miniature daffies blooming on my desk when I got to work, and a card made by my favorite secretary. The card read, "It's your birthday, and we wish..." inside..."you had brought donuts!" I laughed, then opened the next present. You guessed it! donuts! So we had a little celebration at 9:00 a.m. in the home visitors' office, where there was also a birthday cake.
The birthday wishes came in one form or another all day. And at noontime, a glorious fuschia-red azalea arrived from DB.
DB is being interim Boy Scoutmaster tonight, so I ate a bowl of tuna fish by myself. When he gets home after a committee meeting, we'll go to the local pub for a drink. A satisfying 65th. Thank you Lord.
I suppose I should have some sage message for everyone on this momentous occasion, but I can't think of anything, except to say that I'm lucky to have had such a happy life. And I look forward to whatever is to come. I know it won't all be rosy, but I'm confident that with God's help I can face it with joy. And, like my Grandmother N. always did with her deep faith, I will make the best of whatever I am given. I will end with a prayer from the BCP:
Watch over your child, O Lord, as her days increase; bless and
6:39 PM
What's that noise I hear? My goodness, it's RAIN! In the middle of this very cold winter, comes a rainstorm. Of course, it will be turning to snow before morning, and the morning commute will be "icy". Luckily my commute is only 6 miles. I've been watching the forecast between here and RI carefully, because this is the weekend Tigger is remarried, and we are going to try to get there. So, journaling friends, keep us in your prayers as we negotiate the roads 530 miles each way!
guide her wherever she may be. Strengthen her when she
stands; comfort her when discouraged or sorrowful; raise
her up if she falls; and in her heart may your peace which
passes understanding abide all the days of her life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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