The older I grow the more I cherish every day. Being a widow and having experienced serious medical events, such as a 99% blocked carotid artery eighteen years ago followed by a repeat 90% blockage three months ago, I feel blessed to be alive. A traumatic Broken Heart Syndrome heart attack plus emergency hip and crushed wrist surgeries were also jarring. Fear and pain are humbling.
Today, however, is a perfectly splendid day: sleeping late after a lingering dinner with a close friend and knowing that today is mine to fill as I choose. No demanding schedule: writing this essay while pondering ideas; taking my Pippa pup outside and breathing the beautiful early spring air; running errands with my car Bling’s top down; facetiming with my Seattle daughter, answering emails and texts….and the list continues. Today I love being unscheduled and spontaneous.
Then there is a day when I wake up knowing each hour is filled with commitments. As my wise mother taught me, “Busy hands are happy hands.” By being as physically and mentally active as possible, I relish living in the vibrant environment of Cedarfield while nurturing many long-time friendships from my past. I enjoy people of all ages. It is healthy to surround myself with positive people. It is mind expanding to listen to those whose lives have included fascinating experiences, careers and travels. It is essential to learn something new each day.
A special, wondrous but rare day for me is one which brings precious children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren to my cottage. When that happens, I feel my heart erupt like fireworks on the Fourth of July!
This winter I was blessed with ten-day solo visits from each of my two daughters. Seattle Susie came for my February birthday week, and my younger son Charley and wife Stephanie joined us from Virginia Beach for an afternoon and evening of laughter, chatter plus a delicious dinner at Chez Max. Connecticut son Sam and his wife Joan joined us via Facetime, too. (A pretty perfect day, for sure.)
Boston Allison arrived for ten delightful days in March to share her father’s heavenly 90tieth birthday. Lucky us that Charley and Steph could join Allison and me and bring Elon U. daughter Emma, who was home for the weekend. We felt love percolating all around us. If I could have each treasured family member under my roof at the same time, that would be ambrosia personified.
To describe my “non-plus-ultra” fantasy day, it would include more than 24 hours so as to hug each family member and friends so dear; relish meaningful catch-up chats with each one; savor a scrumptious dinner together; write an unforgettably good essay; watch an uplifting movie; read until my eyes shut; and dream of my beloved John, only to awaken to a world of peace and harmony.
Am I asking too much? Of course, but being named “Joy” demands positivity. Being an optimist is healthier and portends longevity more than being a pessimist. Smiles cause fewer wrinkles than frowns…plus…
“A heart full of love makes a beautiful life.” (anonymous)
Top Shutterstock photo by MargJohnsonVA
