Remembering That Every Day Is A Blessing
I dread looking in the mirror because today is my fortieth birthday. As I stagger to the mirror I see yet another little wrinkle tied to my new graying hair. I can fix the wrinkle I guess and the hair color will get rid of the hair but it is a bit depressing.
I think a cup of coffee will get me out of my slump but as I go down the stairs my joints are stiff. Wonderful, my second present, leg arthritis! This day is just getting better. What could go wrong next? I picture myself retiring all hunched over with a cane, this has to be happening at a rapid pace and faster than anyone else.
As I drop off the kids to school the rain begins to pour. Great, a perfect weather forecast to match my mood. When I get to work I realize I forgot my umbrella at home. Perfect, add it up to a bad hair day for my bad old birthday.
To top it off there is a bouquet of black balloons from my well meaning co-workers. I try to laugh as I slump in my desk and really being a pity party over my declining state of being, knowing it is all down hill from here until death.
As I look at my ringing phone I see it is a birthday call from my best friend Lisa. She probably has the perfect fun filled dig to give me while reminding me she is two years younger. But as I answered I sense that she is upset. I ask her what is wrong but she tries to play it off.
With some goading and her apologizing for not being happier she finally tells me what is wrong. I slump back in tears as my best friend tells me she has breast cancer. Oh Lisa, how sorry I am for you, how selfish could I be for being so thoughtless and pitiful about my own life.
As I drive home I think to myself how fortunate I am. I have my health I don’t have to make up a disease. My kids are all healthy. I have a good job and roof over my head. There are so many people who have so much less than I do and they have joy. As I scold myself for being so innately stupid in my way of thinking I pull into the driveway where my husband and kids have made a special dinner for me and as I enter the door I no longer think about the crow’s feet but how blessed I truly am.
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