Today is my 63rd birthday. Odd. How did that happen? I do not feel that old. Officially, according to Social Security, I am not old. In order to get my full retirement, I have to wait until I am 67 and a half, so you see, I am still very young!
I was born and raised on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts. I still feel that the Cape will always be my home, even if I don’t get down there too often.
I was the youngest child of three, and I guess a bit of a tom-boy. I loved playing trucks and riding my bicycle all over town. I did like Barbie Dolls and played them with my sister and cousin. But I was equally happy climbing trees and going on adventures along creeks and swamps.
I did many things alone. I would ride down to the beach and climb the jetties. I would sit and dream and lose myself in thought.
I also tried to make people laugh. At times life was hard, and I could joke around and get people smiling.
Yet, as a young woman, I seemed to lose that child-like confidence. Although many would say I was outgoing, not many knew how I worried I was inside of falling on my face and failing.
Now I am sixty-three. Golly, I have learned so much along the way. But, oh, that insecure woman still resides within, and occasionally rears her ugly head.
I find my peace with my pups. Walking them or holding them or waking to their morning face licks. Unconditional love. Given freely, by my fur babies meant so much.
Having a grown-up daughter is amazing, and watching the wonderful mother she is with her children, makes me proud. She is a self-made woman. What an amazing person she is!
My grandchildren are everything. Savannah tells me her secrets and stories, and Quinn is coming into his own. He always checks to see if I remembered his Bai water when I come down, and recently my Kindergartener made me a card all by himself. To Oma, Love, Quinn. Why? Just because.
The hugs, their smiles, watching them grow puts a smile on me like you cannot believe. How grateful I am.
So life at 63 isn’t too bad. It’s not quite what I thought it would be, but it is a good life nonetheless.
So, Happy Birthday to me!
I’ve already said it personally, but a very happy birthday to you. Mistakes along the way, maybe, but don’t we all. You’ve done well.
Happy 63rd Birthday!!! Enjoy your day and cherish every moment
Happy birthday, Maribeth. 63 and fabulous 🙂