50

Today marks a half century of Me. Today is different for me. I woke up before the sun this morning and all though I did drift in and out for an hour more, I knew today was going to be different. I have had other birthdays obviously but this one has me contemplating life on a more philosophical plane. Now other birthdays I’ve had got me contemplating too, like I’m 15 I get my learners permit and can drive, oh I’m 16! Look out world I have my license and a car. 18-I’m in the Army now! 21-I can have a beer with buddies legally! The list goes on but somehow this one is different. So dear reader if you will allow me to wax a bit poetic today and do me the favor of reading on I will tell you how I am feeling.

I have lived. I am living. I will continue to live. Because……

I have heard what life sounds like. My babies first cries from the delivery room is that sound. I have heard what death sounds like in the last breath of people I love. I know what life and death sound like. I know what life feels like, holding my newborn grandchildren in their crib blankets. I know what death feels like too, holding the hands of people I love as they wither away. I know what life and death feel like. I know what life smells like, that new baby smell, subtle, powdery and new. I know too what death smells like inside that old folks home or that ICU. I know what life and death smell like. I know what life looks like. Your children living on their own and taking care of their children now, prospering, growing. I know as well what death looks like, caskets filled, lined with the stars and stripes. I know what life and death look like. I know what life tastes like, that first kiss of your beloved, the myriad of foods to savor, those spices and sweets and that ice cold beer on a hot summers day. I too know what death tastes like, CPR that didn’t work, and the salty taste of death in the tears I’ve cried. I know what life and death taste like.

As I look back over my years, I am so very grateful today. I have a full life because of all of you. Thank you today for being a part of my life’s journey. I look forward to what we have in store. So, Happy 50th Birthday to me on this, the 14th of April, 2022 but cheers to you my friends and family for bringing to me a life well lived.