Growing older is a gift.
Today, I turn 43.
While some cringe at the idea of growing old… I celebrate! All I want is to get old and wrinkly.
I actually thought I was turning 44. I was convinced. It took a calculator and a persistent husband to bring me around to the idea that my proper number is 43. It’s just that my 40th birthday party (which was an epic surprise) seems like much more than 3 years ago. So, so much has happened since then… cancer progression, trips around the world, radiation, weddings, bad scans, surgeries, good scans, deaths, births. I guess when you live so intensely the years seems longer.
I wished I was 44 because all I want is to get old. 50 is a big goal for me… 50 and healthy, actually. If I may be so bold. 44 was just a little closer, but I’ll take 43. And hold my breath for a moment thinking about what the next seven years toward my goal hold.
Then, I refocus on today. Today is a day to celebrate!!
And, I have. Last night my friends turned bookclub into a little surprise party. Gathered around a cozy fireplace with friends was the perfect way to kick off my birthday weekend. Today my kids made me birthday breakfast in bed (a MacGregor family tradition). Then, I spent time on my yoga mat. The teacher started class in child’s pose with “notice your breath.” Tears dripped onto my mat as I grounded myself in gratitude. Lunch with my boys, a little shopping & now a chocolate chip cookie and cup of tea in my favorite coffee shop. Tonight, I am meeting girlfriends to learn circus tricks and then bubbles at the Champagnery. Tomorrow, dinner with dear friends. Sunday, I’m hoping to volunteer together as a family. Birthday’s are all weekend long in my world. How lucky am I??
Today, and every day I reminded each year is a gift. Even as I live with a disease that is probably going to kill me, I choose to not only live, but to love & laugh and experience the gifts this life brings.
It’s not just about staying alive. But to truly live.
How do you act on your aliveness? We have to work with what we are given. When we accept the things we can’t change and cherish each day, each year, each breath – we find the moments that bring the most joy.
Cheers to being fully alive! Bring on 43.
ps. Thank you for all the birthday wishes, texts, messages, calls. I feel all your love and it means so much.
Happy Birthday! Your love for life and all it sends our way is so encouraging! May this coming year bring many, many blessings! Here’s to another year, one day at a time!🥂❤️🎉
Thank you Terri. It means so much to know we’re all in this together.
Happy 43!
Love you so much.
Can hardly wait to hear about your circus training!!!!
It was all I hoped! Lots of laughter!!
Please come visit as we have so much in common! I started Mary’s Place just 10yrs ago to support women with cancer in ways that truly felt intentional to create change , to become a better person mind, body and soul. I wish you the HAPPIEST of BIRTHDAYS and know we are all in this together. We are being the change that we want to see in this world. Can’t wait to connect soon! xoxo Maria 732-455-5344
I am so excited to learn more about Mary’s place by the Sea and talk about ways we can collaborate! Thank you for reaching out.
Ahh…we share a birthday and more! I turned 53 on Nov. 22, 2019. I was diagnosed with early stage bc in May 2003 and then diagnosed metastatic in Jan. 2013. Every day and birthday is a blessing! Wishing you many more years of birthday celebrations!!🎉🎉🎉
Wishing you a very happy birthday, and a beautiful blessed day. Each day is a wonderful gift, and each moment is meant to be treasured.
I read your story and it touched me deeply. Being a cancer survivor, I know that growing older is a gift never to be taken for granted. Each day is a day of light, a day we get to see and hold and hug the ones that are so dear to us. And we touch others we might never have gotten to meet.
I am getting ready to turn 66 in just a few days, November 24th. I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You are an inspiration to so many people.
Eat a little chocolate, have just a moment of laughter, and lots of hugs to loved ones. Debbie