In Celebration of My Birthday
I turn 71 yesterday. I didn’t think I would make it to this age. But here I am. One of my favorite sayings is from Mark Twain: “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been”. I must have smiled a lot in these 71 years.
I’d like to add that it is also where plates of pasta, bread and biscotti have stretched this old body while sharing too many wonderful repasts with family and friends!
It’s often hard to see the reflection staring back and noticing more age spots, wrinkles, and carving where basal cell cancers have been dug out. And that’s just my face. I see the wrinkles that are in elephant folds on what once were tight thighs and the “angel wings” that flap and make noise when I gesticulate with my arms. Between the “apron” that is my belly and the caboose that is my butt, I am not sure whether I am coming or going. Hence, I try to limit my inventory taking to first thing in the morning and the last moments at night. Of course, the inner parts are also slowly showing signs of sagging, and inability to perform as they once did. All of this can really bog you down. And I will admit that sometimes I do lament some….okay maybe more than I should. But then I remember a few things…
I have survived elongated tendons in my legs as a toddler, breast cancer, coronary artery bypass, two hip replacements, a hysterectomy, ablation surgery, shoulder impingement, carpel tunnel and arthritis in places I didn’t know existed. I am definitely not as young as I used to be. Things take more time, interest change, memory glitches and the maintenance on our bodies takes up more and more time. I also am reminded that Satan loves for me to ruminate on all that is wrong with me and capitalizes on throwing doubts, worries and concerns about the future.
And yet – I am still alive!
I can still make heirloom picture frames for each of my grandchildren that mark each year just as I did for my daughters childhood years (although my hands are aching by the time I am done). I can still have conversations with them, with their parents, our friends and extended family. I can share wisdom, laughter, and even concerns and fears. I can share my faith. And of course, I still make mistakes. But God willing, the good book and the words of Jesus help keep my path straight. And I also remember that this journey is merely a path to eternity in which I plan to attend!
Mark Twain’s quote reframes wrinkles as evidence of smiles and a life well lived, inviting acceptance of aging and the value of lived experience. It is a reflection on the beauty and significance of aging. And while, it can be challenging, being able to see the beauty in the old can be developed. Every thing on this earth has a purpose no matter what the age.
So I will celebrate my birthday without lament! I am blessed to be living in whatever state my body is in and still make a difference in how I live my life, the words that I say and the memories I make.
I hope you will do the same.
God assures us in Isaiah 46:3,4 I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you.
Thank you for reading my post. If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it. Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!
I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts. To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com
Blessings for Health & Wellness.