Getting Older

I turned 60 today.....and I couldn't be happier about it. I love getting older!  With every passing year I've learned something new about myself and what I'm capable of....and what I can let go.  I've learned to let days unfold and just surprise me but to also find joy in my daily routine.  I've learned to slow down and pay attention....especially to the little things. I've learned to be grateful for all the wonderful people in my life who are willing to listen to my stories....and then want to tell me theirs. 

I love getting older. 

Paul sent me this poem today in honor of my birthday...and in memory of my mother.  He knew her birthday was just a few weeks ago...she would have been 93.  He knew she was just 62....two years older than I am right now when she died...31 years ago.  

August Third 

by May Sarton

These days

Lifting myself up

Like a heavy weight,

Old camel getting to her knees,

I think of my mother

And the inexhaustible flame

That kept her alive

Until she died.

She knew all about fatigue

And how one pushes it aside

For staking up the lilies

Early in the morning,

The way one pushes it aside

For a friend in need

For a hungry cat.

Mother, be with me

Today on your birthday

I am older than you were

When you died

Thirty-five years ago

Thinking of you

The old camel gets to her knees

Stands up

Moves forward slowly

Into the new day.

If you taught me one thing 
It was never to fail life.

Paul knew this poem would be meaningful...and he knew it would make me cry. But he knew they would be good tears because he was lucky enough to know my mom and saw and felt her "inexhaustible flame." And...he has come to understand that she taught me many things.... including "never to fail life."

I love getting older...but I still miss my mom.