59 and Grateful

Yesterday was my birthday, and what will be the last year of my 50’s. It started out appropriately for such an occasion, I was still sick with the grandson’s cold, thus a little tired and loopy. It was the perfect excuse to do nothing. 

Nothing can, actually, be quite nice. No expectations. No rushing around. Just a blank slate of a day “to be.”

My kids and grandkids came mid-afternoon bearing more flowers. 

And my favorite Bundt cake. 

We had a laid back dinner, opened presents, and then sat and visited for a few hours. 

When I went to bed last night, it was easy to be thankful. As I’ve said before, I think gratitude is a super power. It is certainly good medicine, because today I feel almost fully back to normal.

One of my gifts was a favorite wine called, “God Only Knows” by Cayuse. I told them I’d save it and open it next year on my 60th.

“God only knows” what will happen by then, a lot can happen in a year, but I will try to remember to cling to thankfulness no matter what unfolds.

From the documentary, Path of the Horse

Small, small things:

One leaf touched by the sun,
One small smell.
When we are dying,
I promise you,
The memories you will have
In your last seconds
Are about these small things
Touching our skin:
One leaf,
One moment with your child.
Not the big things.
We will remember the small things.

These small things are added
To a fulfilled life,
Or not.

Not the big things.

Klaus Hempfling