Again.
49 times now.
It keeps on happening and I am finally learning to embrace it, enjoy it, own it. I’ve written before how I used to play it down and kind of zip through it as quietly as possible. No longer. Now I try hard to just wake with a prayer of thanksgiving and sit back and enjoy the day. Nowadays, this day brings unexpected gifts…..it seems to come with more sagging and bagging and tired, but then again it also brings greater contentment, acceptance and I daresay, even a tiny bit of wisdom and much more joy. Really. I wouldn’t go back for anything. Which works out well since, of course, I cannot.
The Old Lady, by Bernard Safran, 1970
And now I am on the cusp of fifty. The forties have been really good. Life in the forties has brought many changes and challenges, perhaps more and harder than any other decade. And yet, I have found my heart expanding and my happiness growing. Which is the greatest of gifts.
I woke to streamers and cupcakes in my kitchen (thank you godkids and Jean!), and multiple happy hugs from my kids. Gabey keeps saying, “I’m so happy it’s your birthday!” It just makes me grin at the sweetness, every time (tho really, I think he’s happy due to the promise of cake…even so….).
Me too, buddy, me too.
Another Espresso, Please 
Love this honest and real piece of writing. I too turn 49 this summer, and I will keep your post for the moments when the wrinkles and the “tired” threaten despair. I wrote a bit about older moms recently at … http://findingaster.com/2011/06/becoming-mommy-after-40/ … Love knowing I’m not the only one. And happy cupcakes and streamers and hugs. I know, even though I don’t know you personally, that you deserve it all. Cheers!
You make 49 look way too good:) Happy Birthday sweet friend of mine! Wish I lived close enough to celebrate with you.
Happy birthday! I hope 49 turns out to be your most wonderful year so far! And I agree with Jen- girl, you make 49 look GOOD!
i missed it! was it yesterday? oh dear… well… HAPPY HAPPY birthday to you… may the celebration last all week, at least :).
xoxo
becca
Hope it was a happy day! Yes, indeed, you make 49 look great.Thanks for paving the way.
Happy birthday!!! So glad you are able to sit back and take it in. You are fabulously beautiful and beautifully fabulous. Happy happy happy birthday!