Every day I wake up a little bit older. As I advance into middle age I check the mirror just a little more and see the crow’s feet starting to form as I apply more cream and think if it is really going to work. Yes it’s my fortieth birthday and I am feeling a bit old.
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.
As I get to the office there are some festive balloons in my office surrounded by the proverbial over the hill you are 40 giant balloons that I get to stare at all day. They mean well, but it sure doesn’t add to my mood of feeling over the hill. So I delve into the cake they got me at lunch and think to myself why not, I’ll take the calories I’m over the hill anyway.
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.
The burden I share with my friend makes me realize how fortunate I am. Sure I feel older but I can look forward to more years where she is doubtful of hers. How could I be so self absorbed and not see all the blessings around me that I have. I was too wrapped up in my own pity. So as I pull up the drive I thank God for the blessings I do have and squeeze my kids hard and thank the man above.
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