Recently, I “celebrated” my 69th birthday.
How is that even possible? Why, just last week I was a tiny girl riding the kiddie cars at a local amusement park. And only a day later, I was a small child playing in the sandbox with her bestest friend. Shortly thereafter, I graduated from high school, and within a few more days I married, and then raised my three beautiful daughters.
My inner self insists that’s all true, despite what my outer self sees in the mirror more than half a century later.
Aging, gracefully or otherwise, is not for the faint-hearted.
Imagine my shock when I realized that my three daughters are now the same age I was when I began my married life and was already partway through my working days. Imagine my further shock when I realized that each and every one of my girls has already advanced way beyond what I’ve accomplished over these many years.
Probably that’s the way it should be. These days I reflect back on what my own mother’s life was like; only now do I see how things really were when I was growing up. Were she still here I’d finally be able to discuss with her the joys and struggles of raising a family, becoming an empty nester, and entering the twilight years. Sure, we talked about these things when she was alive, but I didn’t truly understand.
Rest in peace, Mom. You did good, and we’re all so much better for having you in our lives. I can only hope that once I’m gone, my children will feel the same about me.
If the stars align, I will live as long as Mom did. She was 90 when she died, which means I should have more than 20 years left to enjoy this earth; and the older I become, the more I find myself savoring each and every day. ‘Cause any day could very well be my last.
With that in mind, I’m doing what I can to continue on. This morning, I received my second Moderna vaccine shot. So far, so good, but wish me luck – I’ve heard the after-effects of the second shot are not as mild as after the first shot – but still so much better than the alternative. I plan to prop myself up in bed with my crocheting and a cup of tea for the rest of this afternoon. Puppy Cody is way ahead of me.
Another week down.
May we all have many, many more weeks, days, years and months.
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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post, comment on my Facebook or Twitter pages, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com
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Images by Cordelia’s Mom/TeddyRosalieStudio
Cordelia's Mom, Still 
Hope you have no horrible side effects from your second shot. Keep safe. Hugs and treats by proxy to puppy Cody
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Thanks. So far ok, although I am beginning to feel tired.
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I believe that is common with all of them. We’ve only had our first and both of us had headaches and felt more tired than usual.
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Happy birthday, times flies incredibly fast
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Too fast sometimes. My body feels like 69, but my mind sure doesn’t!
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mine of off too )
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Joyous Natal Anniversary CM!
I know how you feel about time seeming to fly, I am expecting my first grandchild in approximately a month and by the time I was my son’s age I had been raising him for nearly 5 years already.
We have long running genes on both sides of my family, so there is a high chance for us all to be around for a long time.
I am waiting to get my first shot next week, I finally got onto the list for booking and that was the soonest I could manage. I honestly don’t care what I have to deal with, as long as I get them!
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No grandchildren here, yet, and none on the horizon any time soon.
Too bad you can’t come across the border – I’ve heard there are vaccine appointments going unfilled here now. But I’m glad you finally were able to schedule yours.
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Belated happy birthday! I hit 79 on my most recent birthday. I started to say “last birthday”, but didn’t like how that sounded. My daughter and I both slept the day after our second vaccinations.My son-in-law had flu like symptoms.
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Your “last birthday” comment made me laugh. So far I haven’t had any reaction to today’s shot other than being a little tired.
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Happy Birthday (belated, but..). Good luck with the after effects of that second shot. In any case, Tomorrow is another day.
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Thanks, Dan. So far I’m good; I don’t really expect to be feeling too bad tomorrow.
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Aging beats out the alternative. I often point out that unless you die young, you will get old. Most people, when they look at the choices, realize that getting old might not be all that bad — considering the alternative.
Now that you’ve had both shots, you will live forever. I personally believe I am immune to any and all diseases for at least — half a year? If ONLY it would also fix my back.
Hey, my son is going to be 52 next month and my granddaughter is heading for 25. Oy.
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I think that’s the worst – when you realize your child is in his/her 40s or 50s. For some reason, this year I’m struggling more with that.
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wishing you a very blessed birthday year! I have found it down right scary at how fast time goes by.
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I know, right? But not as scary as the alternative.
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🙂 very true!!!
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Happy birthday! Be well ❤️
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Thank you.
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Happy belated birthday, CM! Many many happy returns of the day. Love that pic of Puppy Cody. Stay well and happy! 🎂🍸🍸🥳🌈
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Thanks, NBC. Cody is precious, for sure.
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Happy Birthday!
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Thanks, Nick.
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Happy birthday, happy total vaccination, may April continue onward with good health and spirits, CM.
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Same to you, Mark.
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I feel the same way. I can’t believe I am 66! I still think I am 17. I keep thinking of a line from a t.v. show – it all went by so fast.
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It does go too fast. My mind feels like 18, but my body certainly feels like 69 (somedays it feels even older).
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