Tomorrow I will be 50 years old. I was on the verge of depression when my best friend reminded me that there was a time she prayed that she would be able to grow old. I realized that her sentiments were correct and we are truly blessed to still be here. I always think about something my Grandma Geiser always says, "I know I'm old and my body is not the same, but in my mind, I'm still a young girl." She tells stories of all her memories, good and bad which given me an appreciation of the life she has lived. She also says, "All I have left are memories." They are good ones, and they are stories I enjoy hearing over and over. My best friend and my Grandma helped me in looking forward to this special occasion. I had no idea the wonderful experience in store for me. Luckily, I am blessed with good genes. My Mom doesn't look a day over 50 herself with very few wrinkles--crossing my fingers that I will look like her in 20 years.
Originally, Darrell, suggested a cruise with family and friends to celebrate the occasion. I liked the idea until I realized that my sister and family would not be able to be there. I also, did not want to take too much time off work. I knew that I would have a great time with Darrell, Blake, Papa, Pama and Mom but I longed for a celebration with my sister as well.
Our weekends fill up quickly and Darrell kept reminding me to keep my Mother' Day weekend open. He had a surprise trip in mind and I suppose if I would have paid more attention, I would have picked up on some of the clues to the wonderful surprise planned for me. Darrell did not tell Blake about the plan, worried that he might slip up and tell me what we were going to do. We packed our suitcases, Darrell loaded the car and created a comfy spot for Blake and I to ride on the way to my birthday/Mother's Day weekend. In usual fashion, I slept, read and played games, not paying attention to where we were going. I woke up when we stopped to eat in Wellington and whispered to Blake, "Where do you think we are going?" Blake replied, "Wyoming".
He was right, we arrived at the Bison Ranch, a spot I wanted to visit with camels, bison, an ostrich, horse back rides and the perfect opportunity to relax. We pulled up to our cabin, Blake and I still playing games and reading in the back seat with Darrell trying to get us to go into our cabin. We walked in, opened the door and I heard., "Surprise!" My heart was filled with joy to see my Mom (Also affectionately referred to as Mer), my Sister, my best friend Sharon and her family, Dave, Rex, Rhi, Deb and Mike. Later Doug and Julie joined us. What's a birthday celebration without Julie's favorite birthday candles? The ones you can't blow out. The ones I affectionately call, "Those damn candles." My husband planned the perfect surprise for my birthday, a weekend spent with family and friends to celebrate my milestone. That simple ceremony was simply magical.
I received some wonderful, sentimental gifts but the best part of it all are the memories created for me and for our children. We played on the playground, we looked for rocks (a tradition, everywhere we go), we shopped, ate, had silly string fights and played games. My sister, who knows how to make every moment special and memorable, asked me to walk to the pond as she had a surprise planned. She explained that the sky lanterns we were about to release, were to celebrate momentous occasions as we released them, we made wishes for ourselves and everyone with us. We lit the lanterns, released them into the sky and watched them float away. Watching our children and our family watch them float away was the creme de la creme.
I am not fond of these mile markers in aging. When I turned 30 I began my self-imposed depression on New Year's Eve. My sister and future brother-in-law did not let me wallow in my pity. When I turned 40, I was 5 months away from becoming a first time mother. The joy of that experience, distracted me from that mile stone. Now, finally, at 50 years old, in one place, at one time, most of my blessings joined us in one place to celebrate. I had family, friends, our children and most of all the man I prayed for who worked with my sister to show me that my life is fulfilling and joyful. It was the perfect weekend and I am grateful to everyone who joined our celebration. Thank you Darrell, Mom, Laurie, Dave, Deb, Mike, Julie Doug, Sharon and Noel. Thank you for making my 50th birthday a joyous occasion and the best presents I could ever receive--your time and your love.
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