80, the new 50
Recently, Lamont and I went to visit my mother-in-law, Edel. She is a teeny, tiny German lady with effervescent energy and more strength and determination than anyone I have ever known. Her life story would make the most inspiring movie - surviving Hitler’s Germany during WWII as a young girl and coming to America with a baby on her own.
During our visit, my sister Judy drove up from Florida to visit. She is 13 years older than I am, but has never looked healthier or happier. Now, Judy, is every bit as effervescent as Edel, with the same non-stop energy and enthusiasm. Sitting across the table from her, I couldn’t help but feel very fortunate to not only have such a cool and inspiring “older” sister, but also to be hopeful that I, too, will look that great when I am her age!
My mom was older when she had me. She was the most awesome lady ever! I never saw her as “old”. Vibrant, quirky, super-intelligent, and as zany as Lucy Ricardo, my mom set a great example on how to live life to its fullest and enjoy the moment. It was not uncommon for her to spontaneously break into a dance as we walked through the grocery store if a good song came on or to do a victory dance at the bowling alley whenever she got a strike (which was really quite often!). I’d like to believe that the older I become, the more like her I am growing to be. I spent way too many years worrying about what others’ thought and not embracing each and every moment to the fullest.
Coming up on my 49th birthday, I guess I could feel a sense of dread for the big 5-0 that comes next. Instead, I have never felt better or more hopeful or happy. With these amazing women as inspiration, I see age as only a number. It’s all about the life you choose to live - at this moment!
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