turning 50…

A year of turning fifty…

Super Bowl…Astroturf…Doritos…Fresca…Twister.

Cindy Crawford…Adam Sandler…John Cusack…J.K. Rowling…David Schwimmer…Kiefer Sutherland.

Monday, Monday…Paperback Writer…These Boots Are Made For Walkin’…Last Train to Clarksville…Yellow Submarine…Bus Stop…96 Tears…Wild Thing.

And of course…me.

In August, I will celebrate my fiftieth birthday. One half of a century…quinquagenarian.

Most of my classmates, class of 1984 (Go Panthers!) have already or will have their 50^th birthday before I do. They seem to be easing into the next century of their lives with a certain amount of grace.

It’s funny…birthdays don’t freak me out. I’ve looked forward to each age and 50 is no different. I’ll get my AARP card, be eligible for discounts and best of all, I still have people who ask me if I was child when I had my oldest son. (Who by the way, will turn 30 in 2017, so you do the math…lol.)

Each year…each day…each breath…it’s all a blessing from God. I’m happier than I’ve ever been. Not just happy, but peaceful and content. My boys are healthy and have good jobs. They both have beautiful, loving, kind women in their lives. My grandsons are growing like weeds. I miss them but I know they are happy and healthy too. My husband of 26 years is my best friend. I look forward to every moment we spend together…how many people can say that?

I’m not saying I don’t have problems or that hard times don’t come my way. Of course they do…they do for everybody. But my relationship with Christ and the love of my family and friends has sustained me through some truly awful times. And all it’s done is strengthen my faith.

So…turning 50? Hah! Do your best…you won’t break me.

As Toby Keith sang…

“I ain’t as good as I once was…but I’m as good once, as I ever was.”