All Grown Up

When I was growing up. I did have dreams, just like any other kid. I went through the normal stages of imagining all the different things I could be –  a movie star, a singer, a ballerina, a doctor, a teacher, even a nun. I dreamed about all the places I could go, and all the things that I could do once I grew up. But at the same time, I was always pretty realistic about my dreams. I knew even then that there were bound to be limitations, because you don’t always get what you want and that you must be learn to be happy with what you receive. Perhaps this stemmed from the fact that I grew up in a family of seven children and believe me, when you grow up in the middle of that many kids, this is a lesson that is well-learned!

But I must say that life as an adult truly is pretty much as I imagined it would be when I was growing up. I’m happy, and as far as I’m concerned, I think I have a lot to be proud of.

I have the best husband in the entire world. Mike means everything to me, We’ve been together since 1974 and have been happily married since 1976. I’m proud of our marriage and of the love we have for each other. It is everlasting, and our bond can never be broken.

Our children are beautiful. Each one is unique in his/her own way, and I love each one of them. Joe is our oldest and our only son. He’s a college graduate and has made an excellent life for himself in the business world. He is kind, compassionate, and caring. He’ll make one woman a wonderful husband and he’ll be an excellent father. Sarah is our oldest daughter, and the middle child. She is outgoing, loving, and sings like an angel. She’s married to a wonderful man and was born to be a mother. Stephanie is our baby. She’s an introvert and is passionate, loving, and kind. She’s a very talented cellist and will be starting on her master’s degree in music performance in the fall. I’m proud of every single one of my children. As a matter of fact, I would say that my children are my greatest accomplishment in life. I would lay down my life for any one of them.

What else am I proud of? I’m proud that I went back to college after ten years and received my nursing degree. I’m proud of the fact that I worked in the operating room for over twenty-five years, and was the charge nurse of the entire department for six of those years.

I’m proud of the fact that I learned how to play the flute in my twenties and the organ in my thirties and now in my late fifties I’m learning how to play the piano and loving every minute of it. I’m proud that I used to be a soloist in our church choir, until one of my recurrent laryngeal nerves was damaged during surgery and I couldn’t solo any longer. But I didn’t give up and now I’m back as a member of our church choir and I’m glad that I can give praise to my God in this beautiful way.

I’m proud that I honed the craft of making quilts.

I’m proud that I quit smoking in 1999 and have never looked back.

I’m proud of my organizational skills.

I’m proud that I’m an American.

I’m proud that I’m a woman.

I’m proud to be me, and that’s not always easy.

And last but not least, I’m proud that I was able to grow up. It wasn’t always easy, but then again, life isn’t easy. It’s not supposed to be, is it?

QUOTE OF THE DAY:  “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”  ~ E. E. Cummings