It's a Kattywhompus Life: 2013

Saturday, January 26, 2013

It's the Little Things

Yesterday it was my birthday.

I hung one more year on the line.

I ain't worrying.

And I ain't scurrying.

I'm just having a good time.

~Paul Simon~

~My Birthday Project~

Yesterday I turned 53. I am especially grateful this year for another birthday. In ways, it's been a rough year...

The hardest part was probably hearing the news that my sweet father-in-love has bladder cancer. Although it is most difficult for him, it has jolted the entire family into the realization that life is precious, and often too short. We have always been a close knit family, but since his illness, this is magnified. Thankfully, his prognosis is good and his attitude is even better. He is an inspiration to me.

Another difficulty concerns our youngest son. Will is 19, and suffers from severe plaque psoriasis. Maybe some of you remember those old commercials where they spoke of..."the heartbreak of psoriasis". Maybe some of you suffer too. In Will's case, the disease is not only extremely unsightly, but very debilitating. He has tried every topical, special diet, and I'm embarrassed to admit..."snake oil" remedy out there. He has just begun taking injections of the drug Stelara, which we pray will give him relief. His dad and I try not to coddle him, and encourage him to push himself in spite of his affliction....but because he is our child, the heartbreak of psoriasis affects us too.

Then there was my own "junk" to deal with. I had surgery in June and have been undergoing a series of medical tests...checking for the thing we all dread...cancer. On Friday, I had what I hope to be my last medical test for a good while. And I'm thrilled to report that my results were perfect.

But yesterday, I turned 53.

And so, today I was reflecting on how I spent my birthday, and counting my blessings. Tom and Will were home with me, doing little chores around the house so I could spend the day sewing. They bathed the dogs, did the grocery shopping, made dinner... The two older "boys" called to wish me a happy birthday and talked with me about stuff for a long while. I miss those conversations with them, now that they live on their own. It was a real treat for me to hear about the young woman Nash is dating, and the changes Luke is making to his screenplay...and their plans for the future.

I don't know why I'm telling you all of this, dear readers. Maybe just to remind you of what we all need reminding of. And that 's this...cherish those you love, find happiness in the little things, value your health...

And remember...

Attitude Is Everything.